City of Palm Bay Releases Floodplain Management Report
PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay recently released the 2021 Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report. The report is an integral part of the Community Rating System (CRS) that lowers flood insurance rates for local residents by 15%. A copy of the plan is made available to the public through the City’s website or can be picked up at the Building Department, located at 190 Malabar Road SW Suite 105.
The Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report summary includes the status of projects that help reduce flooding hazards within the geographic boundaries of Palm Bay. The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) combined with the Public Works Standard Operating Procedures for Stormwater and Floodplain Management and the CRS community outreach activities are used to provide the optimum flood protection for the citizens of Palm Bay.
The report is submitted to the Insurance Service Office (ISO) for recertification and includes information regarding the recent steps taken by the City of Palm Bay to decrease citizen’s vulnerability to future economic and environmental costs caused by natural disasters.The strategy outlines ways in which the City develops, monitors, and maintains a local plan for hazard mitigation and post-disaster redevelopment. It highlights recent projects that have been completed to meet those goals including new road paving and drainage system upgrades, culvert replacements, and overall improvements to the City’s infrastructure specifically relating to flood prevention.
The CRS promotes activities sponsored by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These activities help to give communities incentive to promote flood protection public works projects and community awareness to local flood hazards. This is Palm Bay’s fourth year as a CRS Class 7 community, giving residents a 15% reduction in their flood insurance premiums.
The City of Palm Bay will continue to implement the recommendations and ongoing objectives detailed in the countywide LMS, and update citizens on the status of the newly revised January 29, 2021 Coastal Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Additionally, the City will continue to attend Melbourne Tillman Water Control District meetings and maintain an active role in the St. John’s River Water Management District, as well as the Florida Stormwater Association. Community outreach activities will continue along with the release of public information on matters relating to flood protection.
