The City of Savannah will share information with the public on Thursday related to its update of the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Plan is part of an annual process being undertaken by the City that reduces flood insurance premiums by 20% for Savannah homeowners, and aids the City’s ongoing floodplain and storm water management efforts.

The meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the W.W. Law Community Center, 900 E. Bolton St. The purpose of the meeting is to share input received from the public during community meetings last summer, as well as the results of follow-up field inspections and data analysis conducted by staff.

The purpose of the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan is to assess current flood hazard conditions, including historically flooded areas and the most critical repetitively flooded properties, and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for the City to consider in reducing or eliminating future flood losses. Upon completion of the plan, the City of Savannah intends to continue its aggressive floodplain management efforts by evaluating, targeting and applying for Federal grant funds to assist in the implementation of future flood hazard mitigation projects.

Because of the City of Savannah’s participation in this process, FEMA will reduce flood insurance premiums by 20% for all property owners insured through the National Flood Insurance Program.

The final Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan will be prepared and submitted for adoption by the City Council. The adopted plan will be a stand-alone document that will be utilized to update the Flood Hazard section of the Chatham County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Plan to provide greater focus and attention to the City of Savannah in reducing its current and future flood hazards.

Should you have any questions about the open public meetings or the development of Savannah’s Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, please contact Tom McDonald, Development Service Administrator, at (912) 651-6530, extension 1895.