ALEXANDRIA, VA – Flooding is a concern of many Alexandria residents. The city has been working to address the issue as storms become more frequent with heavier amounts of rainfall. In the latest Council Connection, Mayor Justin Wilson writes that last month FEMA provided the city with updated flood maps, which will be effective next January.
Nearly 20 percent of Alexandria is mapped into a flood zone. The maps can be viewed HERE. They are also available for viewing at Alexandria Library.
When the maps were last updated 12 years ago, they expanded flood zones in areas such as Old Town, Rosemont, and Arlandria.
Every person who owns property in the city is eligible for FEMA Flood Insurance. City leaders advise every property owner to purchase coverage. In fact, it is required in high-risk areas.
The city participates in a program for insurance discounts, the NFIP Community Rating System. It allows areas “to be certified based on flood plain management practices,” writes Wilson.
Communities receive higher discounts on insurance through the program if it gives them lower scores. Property owners in Alexandria currently receive a discount of 20 percent, because in 2013, the city was scored a six. At that time, the city was the first in Virginia to earn a score that low. The discount rate ranks among the highest in the state. [SEE ALSO: Alexandria’s Everett Stack Launches Into Formula 3 at 16 Years Old]
