Chambers County Residents to Receive Flood Insurance Premium Discounts  

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas — Chambers County residents will soon see significant savings on their flood  insurance premiums following the County’s successful acceptance into the National Flood Insurance  Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). 

Beginning October 1, 2026, all new and renewed flood insurance policies in Chambers County will  qualify for premium discounts, with the exception of policies located within the City of Mont Belvieu  and the City of Baytown’s area of coverage, which administer their own floodplain management  programs. 

Eligible policyholders will receive: 

• 15% discount on flood insurance premiums in the unincorporated areas of Chambers County. • 10% discount on flood insurance premiums within incorporated cities participating under the  County’s CRS classification. 

The premium reductions apply to both residential and commercial flood insurance policies. 

The Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program administered by the Federal Emergency  Management Agency (FEMA) that recognizes communities for implementing floodplain management  practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. More than  1,500 communities nationwide participate in the program. 

“Participation in the Community Rating System is an investment in our residents, businesses, and the  long-term resilience of Chambers County,” said Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia. “Not only are  we helping property owners save money each year, but we are also demonstrating our commitment  to responsible floodplain management and reducing future flood risks.” 

In 2024, at the recommendation of Floodplain Administrator Brad Wilber, Chambers County elected to  pursue participation in the CRS program. To support the effort, Commissioners Court allocated $85,000  in American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) dollars to complete the extensive  application process and implement the necessary program requirements. 

As a result of the County’s successful application, Chambers County joins an elite group of only seven  county governments in the State of Texas participating in the Community Rating System.

According to FEMA data, approximately $1.85 million in annual flood insurance premiums are paid  by Chambers County policyholders. The new CRS classification is expected to generate an estimated  $250,000 in annual savings for local residents and businesses through reduced insurance premiums. 

The County’s initial $85,000 investment in the Community Rating System is expected to pay for itself in  less than five months through premium savings realized by Chambers County property owners. While  those savings remain in the pockets of residents and businesses—not the County—they represent a  significant return on investment and demonstrate how strategic planning can create lasting financial  benefits for the community. 

Commissioner Ryan Dagley added, “Every dollar we can save our residents matters. While Commissioners  Court is committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, we’re also constantly looking  for opportunities to reduce costs for families and businesses outside of the tax bill. By investing in the  Community Rating System, we’ve created long-term savings that will put approximately $250,000 back  into the pockets of Chambers County property owners each year. It’s a great example of how strategic  planning and proactive leadership can deliver real financial benefits to our community.” 

The CRS program rewards communities for activities that: 

• Reduce and prevent flood damage to insurable property; 
• Strengthen and support the National Flood Insurance Program; and 
• Promote comprehensive floodplain management practices that make communities safer and  more resilient. 

Chambers County’s acceptance into the Community Rating System reflects years of commitment to  responsible floodplain management, strategic investment, and proactive planning. The program not  only rewards those efforts with lower insurance premiums but also recognizes the County’s dedication  to building a safer, more resilient community for future generations. 

Residents are encouraged to contact their flood insurance provider after October 1 to confirm their  policy’s updated premium and ensure they receive the applicable CRS discount. 

For more information about the Community Rating System or floodplain management in Chambers  County, contact the Chambers County Road and Bridge Department at 409-267-2706.