On January 29, 2023, the Garden District near Park Boulevard and Cherokee Street experienced knee-deep water, highlighting the ongoing issue of flooding in the area. Despite this setback, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has recently announced a major victory for East Baton Rouge Parish residents and business owners: starting in October, they will be eligible for a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums.
This discount is a result of the parish’s elevation to a Class 6 rating on the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. FEMA determined the new rating based on their evaluation of the parish’s floodplain management activities and their commitment to reducing flood risks.
The new rating represents an increase from the previous 15% discount, showing progress in the community’s efforts to improve disaster resilience. This achievement will save EBR property owners an additional $700,000 a year, demonstrating the city’s commitment to reducing flood potential in Baton Rouge and easing the financial burden of flood insurance on residents and homeowners.
With this news, East Baton Rouge Parish residents and business owners can take heart knowing that their efforts towards better flood management are paying off. The new rating is not only good news for their pockets but also serves as an important reminder of the need for continued vigilance when it comes to protecting our communities from natural disasters like flooding.
