With an additional 30 days in hand, the city of Cape Coral is continuing efforts to retain a 25% discount on federal flood insurance premiums.

Lee County and the four municipalities affected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to yank the discount due to alleged un-permitted work post Hurricane Ian, have been granted a 30-day extension for submitting documents to prove compliance with the federal agency’s rules and regulations during post-storm recovery efforts in the designated Special Flood Hazard Area.

“This extension pushes the deadline to June 10,” Mayor John Gunter said at a press conference at City Hall Monday. “However, the city of Cape Coral remains committed to submitting all documentation to FEMA by the original date of May 9. This demonstrates our compliance with the National Flood Insurance regulations.”

Gunter said joint collaboration with FEMA played a crucial role in addressing the concerns raised by the federal agency, which evaluates compliance with its rules and regulations and also awards points for efforts to mitigate flood hazards through a rating system.

“We forged direct lines of communications with FEMA administrators. We’ve also welcomed FEMA staff into our city to streamline processes and enhance communication,” he said. “As we move forward it is crucial to recognize the significance of retaining our community rating system of 5. This rating reflects our commitment to safety and resiliency. It ensures that our residents with flood policies underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program continue to benefit from the discounts provided.”

City staff has been working tirelessly to compel specific documentation reflecting the actions taken post Hurricane Ian, he added.

“This documentation includes permits, substantial damage letters, demolition permits and enforcement actions. For those seeking additional information and documents related to this issue, visit CapeCoral.gov/FEMA. We appreciate the ongoing support from FEMA and Lee County. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.”

FEMA announced in March that it had “retrograded” the Community Rating System class from a 5 to a 10 — the lowest rating — in unincorporated Lee County, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Springs. The new rating would have eliminated the 25% discount property owners currently receive for the National Flood Insurance Program policies as of Oct. 1.

Only the cities of Fort Myers and Sanibel did not see their grades retrograded.