MONROE — Hemby Bridge residents living in a flood zone will have lower flood fees added to their mortgages.

The town was accepted into the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, Nov. 9 after more than a year of working with the state for approval.

Union County land use administrator Lee Jensen said there are 11 structures — both commercial and residential — in the town’s flood zone, most of them at the intersection of Indian Trail-Fairview and Idlewild roads.

To get the federal insurance, town clerk Cheryl Bennett said, the town has to participate in the national program offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“I was real thrilled,” Mayor Jim Simpson said.

Simpson does not live in a floodplain, but said the program will save residents money. A few have publicly supported the program at the town’s monthly meetings.

Some residents use private flood insurance companies, tacking on high fees to their mortgage payments.

Jensen said residents can still buy private flood insurance, but flood insurance backed by the NFIP is cheaper. Residents can ask their insurance companies for that type of policy.

Policy rates depend on the value of the structure and whether it is located in a low-, moderate- or high-risk area for flooding.

A resident in a low-risk area with a home (no basement included) valued at $100,000, Jensen said, will pay about $257 per year on a preferred rate.

Most mortgage companies require flood insurance for residents living in a floodplain, but those living outside a floodplain can still buy flood insurance.

For policy rates, visit www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart.