The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has increased the insurance class for McHenry County to a Class 8 in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).
The floodplain management activities implemented by McHenry County qualifies the County and unincorporated residents for a 10 percent discount in the premium cost of flood insurance for NFIP policies issued or renewed in special flood hazard areas. This will save unincorporated McHenry County property owners over $62,000 annually. The CRS is a method to recognize and encourage communities to adopt flood protection programs which go above and beyond the minimum federal standards.
Of the 1,000 Illinois communities that have adopted floodplain regulations, the County is one of only 48 communities to be a part of the CRS program. To achieve this rating, McHenry County requires all new structures to be elevated against flood damage; provides flood zone information to lenders and insurance agents; provides flood protection assistance to citizens; preserves open space in the floodplains; has higher regulatory standards than the federal minimum; indentifies and mitigates repetitive flood loss properties; and regulates the construction of dams and reservoirs.
Sandra K. Knight, FEMA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation, states, “I commend you on your community actions and your determination to lead your community to be more disaster resistant. This commitment enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums.”
For more information please contact Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning & Development at 815-334-4560.
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