County provides progress update on FEMA rating
Lee County reported on July 5 that it has continued its commitment to transparency related to the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) issue by enhancing the dedicated website landing page and launching a new tool.
Previously, the county posted on the website a document called “Lee County’s Floodplain Management Post-Hurricane Ian Compliance Response to FEMA,” as well as an Executive Summary. The county reported that the documents, which were provided to FEMA along with all requested records, illustrate its work to provide all of the requested and required documentation in response to FEMA’s efforts to retrograde the county’s Community Rating System (CRS) classification.
The new website enhancements come as the county awaits FEMA’s retrograde decision.
The county reported that to help educate the community on the efforts that have gone into retaining unincorporated Lee’s CRS rating, an online tool has been developed to tell its story. Called the “FEMA Response Overview Tool,” it explains:
– FEMA’s programs, including the NFIP and CRS
– County’s floodplain management program
– Hurricane Ian’s impacts, specifically in unincorporated Lee’s Special Flood Hazard Areas
– FEMA’s notice of retrograde and compliance documentation request
– County’s Post-Hurricane Ian rebuilding activity, including steps taken to ensure compliance with NFIP requirements
– County’s lessons learned and path forward
The county noted that the Lee County Board of County Commissioners is committed to retaining the CRS rating of 5 to maintain the discount available to residents with NFIP policies.
For more information, visit www.leegov.com/femacrs.