FENWICK ISLAND, Del. (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is lowering the flood risk in Fenwick Island and that change could mean lower insurance rates for property owners who have already built above the proposed floodplain ordinance.
Pat Schuchman, a town building official, says the risk reduction was a surprise to many residents. The Wilmington News Journal reports that FEMA's insurance study did not include data from Hurricane Sandy that would have affected risk.
According to FEMA's website, if a building exceeds the minimum elevation requirements, flood insurance premiums will be lower. The town decided against a 90-day appeal for the maps. FEMA will review the town's flood ordinances before zone changes are implemented in June.
The town already receives a 10 percent discount on flood insurance for participating in FEMA's Community Rating System.
