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Fayette County is proud to announce a significant achievement in floodplain management. Following a comprehensive five-year review, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have elevated Fayette County to a Class 5 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).
In its official notification, FEMA confirmed that Fayette County residents will qualify for a 25 percent discount on most flood insurance premiums.
“Fayette County will increase to a Class 5 in the NFIP CRS. The floodplain management activities implemented by your community qualify it for a 25 percent discount on flood insurance premiums for most NFIP policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2026. This savings is a tangible result of the flood mitigation activities your community implements to protect lives and reduce property damage,” said Shilpa Mulik, CRS Program Manager.
Nationwide, there are approximately 22,000 communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which allows property owners within those communities to purchase federally backed flood insurance. Of those, only 1,767 communities participate in the Community Rating System (CRS)—the program that provides flood insurance premium discounts ranging from 0% at Class 10 (entry level) to 45% at Class 1. No community in the State of Georgia currently holds a CRS rating better than Class 5. This makes Fayette County’s Class 5 rating the highest level currently achieved in Georgia, placing us among a very small and high-performing group of flood-resilient communities statewide and nationally.
FEMA also noted that the County’s CRS rating will be automatically renewed each year, provided Fayette County continues to carry out all certified CRS activities and remains compliant with NFIP requirements.
“This achievement is a testament to our staff and their hard work and dedication. As a result of this new rating, Fayette County residents will benefit from a 25 percent discount on most flood insurance premiums,” County Manager Steve Rapson said.
The Fayette County Environmental Management Department emphasized the importance of ongoing flood mitigation efforts:
“This Class 5 CRS rating reflects years of sustained work to strengthen our floodplain management program and protect our natural resources. From our Watershed Protection Ordinance to mapping, education, and mitigation planning, these efforts directly translate into reduced flood risk and real savings for Fayette County residents,” said Director Bryan Keller.
Fayette County’s next CRS verification will occur according to its regular five-year cycle unless new CRS activities are added. In the meantime, FEMA will continue providing updates through the NFIP/CRS Newsletter and other communications.
Residents with questions about flood insurance or the CRS program may contact the Fayette County Environmental Management at fayettecountyga.gov/emd
About:
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to recognize and encourage community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP standards. Established in 1990 and maintained in accordance with the 1994 NFIP Reform Act, the CRS promotes stronger, more resilient communities through enhanced flood mitigation and risk reduction practices.
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