New U.S. Designation Cuts Flood Insurance

City officials have been successful in getting a redesignation of Fountain Valley’s flood zone, resulting in flood insurance rate reductions of up to 50% for property owners.

The city has received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirming a redesignation of the flood zone in Fountain Valley, said City Manager Raymond H. Kromer.

The city has been zoned as an area of special flood hazards but the new designation means the city has made substantial progress in reducing the threat of floods.

City leaders have pressed for the redesignation by negotiating in Washington with legislators and calling FEMA representatives. The City Council sought a rate reduction because the flood threat was diminished by the Santa Ana River reconstruction project.

“The flood risk has been greatly reduced by the work accomplished on the Santa Ana River,” Kromer said.

The redesignation was based on flood protection improvements already completed on the project, city officials said.

Two critical features of the project that enhanced the redesignation were the channel bridge widening and concrete channel lining of the lower Santa Ana River channel, as well as the construction of the Seven Oaks Dam in San Bernardino County.

Copies of the FEMA letter for insurance purposes are available at City Hall at no charge to property owners.

For information, call: (714) 966-4400.