Prince William County and its residents have a chance to save money.
The county has reached class 7 in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System.
This allows flood insurance users to receive a 15-percent discount on premiums, according to a release from Prince William County.
Insurance companies, according to Prince William County Watershed Management Chief Madan Mohan, decrease premiums when flood risks lessen.
Through floodplain management, the county is able to save money and not as many drainage improvement projects are needed.
“Open space preservation in floodplains also bring water quality benefits by buffering the streams; and implementing sound regulations helps the county obtain disaster and hazard mitigation grants from FEMA,” Mohan said in a release.
It has environmental and educational benefits, as well.
“Flood control directly influences water quality as floods carry more polluted runoff,” Mohan said. “Properties are better protected from flooding and the property owners are made aware of the risks for having structures within the floodplain. The property owners are also educated on flood insurance available from FEMA. Additionally, the development standards are strictly implemented and enforced to avoid any new structure in the floodplain.”
