Residents and businesses in East Baton Rouge Parish are set to receive a boost in flood insurance savings, with a new 20 percent discount on premiums becoming available soon. This announcement comes from the Office of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, highlighting the proactive steps taken to enhance flood mitigation efforts in the area.
Effective October 1, 2024, East Baton Rouge Parish residents and business owners will benefit from a 20 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums, a significant increase from the previous 15 percent discount. This favorable adjustment stems from the parish’s elevation to a Class 6 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS), as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The upgraded rating reflects the parish’s steadfast commitment to implementing robust floodplain management practices aimed at mitigating flood risks.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome expressed satisfaction with the achievement, emphasizing the collective efforts to bolster community resilience in the face of disasters. She stated, “We remain committed to leading our community towards greater disaster resilience. Our hard work means an additional 5% discount for EBR property owners, saving them an additional $700,000 a year.” This substantial discount underscores the administration’s dedication to not only reducing flood potential but also alleviating the financial burden of flood insurance for residents and homeowners.
Beyond the insurance discount, Mayor Broome’s administration continues its extensive drainage initiatives throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. Over the past year, significant progress has been made with the removal of 35,000 tons of debris from critical waterways such as the Comite River, Claycut Bayou, Ward Creek, Jones Creek, Bayou Fountain, Elbow Creek, and Dawson Creek. These efforts underscore a comprehensive approach to flood mitigation, aiming to safeguard communities and mitigate property damage in the face of natural disasters.
