NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 11, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 211
Contact: Michael Powell or Greg Williams, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 302-739-9921; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Bethany Beach Properties Qualify for Reduced Flood Insurance Rates
Flood insurance just got more affordable for property owners in Bethany Beach. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a 10 percent rate reduction on the cost of flood insurance for all properties in the town. The town of Bethany Beach received the National Flood Insurance Program rate reduction for implementing measures aimed at reducing property damage caused by flooding and increasing public awareness of flood risk.
DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Management Section works with FEMA to help communities meet and comply with federal and local floodplain requirements and provides training on the risks of flooding.
“Year in and year out, flooding is the leading cause of property loss from natural disasters in this country," said Michael Powell, program manager with the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section. "We are pleased that Bethany Beach has qualified for this program that will make flood insurance more affordable. With hurricane season approaching, we encourage property owners to protect their properties and invest in flood insurance coverage.”
Bethany Beach received a Class 8 rating on the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System and qualified for the reduced rate. The Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum program requirements.
To qualify for the new rating, Bethany Beach implemented new building construction code requirements and stormwater runoff standards that will reduce property damage from flooding. In addition, the town increased flood reduction outreach and education efforts to property owners.
FEMA estimates that roughly 2,000 policyholders in the town will each
receive an average discount of $55 per year – amounting to an
approximate
annual savings of $111,000 per year for the entire town.
Beginning this month, all Bethany Beach federal flood insurance policyholders will receive the rate reduction when their policies renew. Property owners without current flood insurance are encouraged to contact their insurance agent. New policies require a 30-day waiting period before coverage will take effect.
Other Delaware communities that have previously qualified for FEMA’s Community Rating System reduced flood insurance rates are: Fenwick Island; South Bethany Beach; Dewey Beach; Rehoboth Beach; Lewes; Seaford; New Castle; and Newark.
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