Allen County Indiana has earned an improved Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain designation that will help reduce flood insurance costs for eligible property owners in unincorporated areas of the county.
Allen County Board of Commissioners news release:
Allen County Earns Improved FEMA Floodplain Designation, Bringing Savings to Residents
Allen County, Indiana (October 21, 2026) – Through the dedicated efforts of Allen County Surveyor Mike Fruchey and his team, Allen County has earned an improved Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain designation that will help reduce flood insurance costs for eligible property owners in unincorporated areas of the county.
The improved designation moves Allen County to Community Rating System (CRS) Class 7, allowing eligible property owners paying full risk premiums to receive a 15% discount on flood insurance. This is an improvement over the former Class 8 designation that only provided a 10% discount. Currently, 137 homes located within a designated floodplain in unincorporated Allen County are subject to mandatory flood insurance requirements for federally backed mortgages covered by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Achieving the improved designation required extensive research, documentation, and coordination to demonstrate the county’s floodplain management efforts and meet FEMA’s requirements. The Surveyor’s Office worked through the process to secure the new designation, helping turn a complex administrative effort into tangible savings for local residents.
“This was an arduous process to get us to the next level, but it was worth it,” said Surveyor Mike Fruchey. “This is a proactive way to do government better. This new designation translates into actual savings for people, putting dollars back into the hands of county citizens.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency uses flood maps and community floodplain management standards to help identify flood risks and encourage safer development. Through its Community Rating System, FEMA recognizes communities that take additional steps to reduce flood risk and protect residents and property. Communities that meet the program’s requirements can earn insurance premium discounts for eligible policyholders. For Allen County, the improved rating represents more than a designation on a map. It demonstrates how proactive planning, technical expertise, and the commitment of county employees can produce meaningful results for residents.
Homeowners should see the increased savings reflected in their insurance premiums when their current policies come up for renewal, while all new policies should reflect the savings associated with the new floodplain designation, which took effect on October 1, 2026.
The Allen County Board of Commissioners recognizes Surveyor Fruchey and his team for their work on this effort and their commitment to finding practical ways to improve county government while delivering measurable benefits to the community.
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