CEDAR Rapids, Iowa - The city of Cedar Rapids says its home owners are getting a 20 percent discount in the cost of flood insurance.
It's taking part in a federal program that lowers insurance rates when the city takes action to reduce flooding.
Home owners could get a 45 percent discount if the city were to get the program's top rating for flood prevention.
Cedar Rapids experienced record flooding on the Cedar River in 2008 that caused $15 billion in damages.
The city is taking part in a FEMA program that has a Community Rating System with a range of Class 1 to Class 10.
Flood insurance discounts are given in increments of 5 percent. A Class 10 community is not participating in the program and receives no discount, while a Class 1 community receives a 45 percent premium discount.
Cedar Rapids is currently a Class 6 community, where homeowners get a 20 percent discount.
Cities can earn discounts by focusing on actions in four categories:
- Public Information
- Mapping and Regulations
- Flood Damage Reduction
- Warning and Response