Jersey Village is embarking on an initiative that could lower flood insurance rates for city residents by as much as 15 percent. The initiative—through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program—rewards the city for its efforts in reducing flood damage and taking a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
FIP applicants earn points by meeting certain standards through a Community Rating System. The discount each community receives is based on the number of points it qualifies for and can be as high as 45 percent. Jersey Village staff said they believe the city can obtain a 10 percent discount and are analyzing how much work and funding would be needed to reach 15 percent.
The activities to earn points fall into four categories: public information, maps and regulations, flood damage reduction and flood preparedness. There are several areas in which Jersey Village is already set to earn points, Public Works Director Danny Segundo said.
"The program recognizes community efforts like ours where we've taken action to increase the freeboard from 12 inches to 18 inches," he said. "The city already has a Storm Water Management Plan, which should also earn us points as well."
The city has identified several realistic goals to earn more points, many of which are related to public information and managing data. The city can earn points for maintaining data on elevation certificates, as well as through outreach programs at public libraries. The city could also earn points from longer-term initiatives, contracting outside help to conduct studies and develop programs.
"There are things we can do easily without assistance, but we have to decide if it is worth spending some money to bring in help to get that extra five percent," Jersey Village Mayor Rod Erskine said.
Segundo projects the city will earn a Class 8 rating with 1,350–1,400 points, which would be good for a 10 percent discount for residents. Reaching the 15 percent discount at 1,500 points could require additional assistance, he said.
The application process involves city staff evaluating its situation and sending a proposal to FEMA indicating how many credits for which the city could qualify. An insurance services officer will visit the city to verify the point total and send a report to FEMA. FEMA makes a final decision, with rates potentially changing as soon as October, but May 2015 is more likely, Erskine said. He said he is aiming for the city to submit its application before the end of summer.
"We're not going to know where we stand until we apply," he said. "I'd like to get as big a bite as we can as quickly as possible."
