The City of Tuscaloosa is a water-rich area with lakes, rivers, and streams, making it vulnerable to flooding from the Black Warrior River, local creeks, and overloaded drainage systems.
The City of Tuscaloosa is a participant in the National Flood Insurance(NFIP) and is responsible for enforcing the local Floodplain Management and Flood Damage Prevention Code and for administrating both the NFIP and Floodplain Management Program. Tasks comprise issuing floodplain permits and maintaining Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flood Insurance Studies and the storm drainage system, as well as managing other stormwater-related matters.
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary FEMA program that encourages communities to go beyond minimum floodplain management standards. As a community’s rating improves, residents receive greater insurance discounts.
In May 2017 the City of Tuscaloosa achieved a Class 8 Rating, which awards residents in the city with a 10 percent discount on flood insurance premiums. The City of Tuscaloosa began participating in the CRS program in May 2016 with a Class 9 rating, which awarded residents in the city with a 5 percent discount on flood insurance premiums. These ratings are earned by engaging in various floodplain management activities, such as providing flood information, preserving open space in the floodplain, maintaining the drainage system and coordinating outreach. The City is currently in the process of implementing programs and procedures that will further increase the point total and Class and thus increase the discount that affected citizens will receive on their flood insurance premiums.
For more information about the Community Rating System, click here.
For more information about the CRS Program, click here.
