Residents of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, are set to see lower flood insurance premiums starting October 1. The parish has improved its rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS), moving from Class 5 to Class 3. This upgrade means bigger discounts for those living in flood-prone areas.
The CRS is a program run by FEMA that rewards communities for going beyond the basics in managing flood risks. Each time a community improves its CRS class, property owners get about 5% more off their flood insurance premiums. Jefferson Parish is now the first community in Louisiana to reach a Class 3 rating, a noteworthy achievement.
The parish earned this upgrade by taking several important steps. They improved their building codes for both homes and businesses. They started requiring extra flood protection, called freeboard, which adds extra feet of safety above what FEMA usually requires. Jefferson Parish also worked on managing open spaces, watershed planning, and hazard mitigation. They protect natural floodplains, maintain effective flood warning systems, and keep residents informed about flood risks, especially those living behind levees.
Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng expressed pride in the progress. She noted that the new rating not only helps residents save money but also makes the whole community stronger against future floods and disasters. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple also praised the leadership for showing real commitment to building resilience in Louisiana.
This upgrade reflects ongoing efforts to reduce flood risks and costs in Jefferson Parish. For residents and business owners, the change means financial relief on insurance bills and better protection against flooding. It also sets an example for other communities in the state to follow.