Date: September 19, 2007
Contact: Joe Stinebaker
Communications Director
713–755-4027
Joe.Stinebaker@cjo.hctx.net


NEWS RELEASE

COUNTY’S FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES CUTS INSURANCE COSTS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

County Judge Ed Emmett signed federal documents this week ensuring property owners in unincorporated Harris County would continue to save millions of dollars on their property insurance.

“Over the years, Harris County has done a tremendous job in this area, so I am pleased to sign for Commissioners Court,” said Emmett.

Emmett signed a series of documents for the Federal Emergency Management Agency certifying that the county continues to adhere to strict flood plain regulations. FEMA devised the Community Rating System program to credit communities implementing and following special flood plain management practices.

The Community Rating System categorizes Harris County as a Class 8 community, the highest possible rating. The county has been credited since 2004 for adhering to 23 required flood-prevention measures. Some of those measures include maintaining elevation certificates in special flood hazard areas, enforcing subdivision ordinances and conducting annual community outreach programs.

“This is good news for Harris County on two fronts,” said Emmett. “Achieving and maintaining a Class 8 ranking not only saves residents money on their insurance, it also helps protect all of us from flooding.”

Non-preferred risk policyholders in unincorporated Harris County will continue to receive a 10% discount on their insurance policies through the county’s participation in the program. Policyholders with preferred risk policies are ineligible for the discount.