[Archived] City of Alexandria Recognized for Increased Floodplain Management Practices

For Immediate Release: January 16, 2014 

The City of Alexandria was recently recognized for exceeding the goals of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS), administrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements. Previously rated a Class 7, Alexandria is now the first and only Virginia locality to achieve a Class 6 rating, the lowest in the state. As a result, residents and businesses purchasing flood insurance for properties in Alexandria are now eligible to receive up to a 20 per cent discount on flood insurance premiums. According to NFIP statistics, nationwide, only 305 participating communities currently hold a Class 6 rating or better; as of October 31, 2013, only one out of 1,420 participating communities achieved a Class 1 rating.

Flood insurance premium rates are discounted in five percent increments for each Class designation.  The Class 6 rating qualifies each NFIP policyholder for an average $114 savings on their annual premium.  Overall, the City’s CRS accomplishment results in a total annual savings of $196,885 for NFIP policyholders in Alexandria.

Every five years, the City applies for renewal in the CRS program. In October 2012, the City completed reclassification and increased its CRS credit in eight of the 15 activities, earning enough points to be reclassified to a Class 6 rating as of October 1, 2013. Alexandria earned extra points based on creditable activities scored in four categories: Public Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction and Flood Preparedness.

For more information about the City’s program, visit the CRS & National Flood Insurance Program Page; visit FEMA’s website, www.floodsmart.gov, or contact Kathleen Leonard, Communications Officer, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, at Kathleen.Leonard@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4027.