Residents in the southern area of the city will soon be informed that they no longer need to carry federally mandated flood insurance.

Nearly 1,800 parcels in an area bounded by Nine Mile, Marter, Jefferson and the Milk River, will be released from carrying the insurance, which can cost some homeowners more than $1,000.

"We are an inland lake community and this is an unnecessary mandate," said Ben Hughes, St. Clair Shores city manager.

The 1,781 homes and condominiums were added to the flood map when it was revised in 2006. In recent months, city officials worked with Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) and U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) and their staffs to have these parcels removed.

"We are going to get a benefit for these residents," said Mayor Robert Hison.

City officials expect to receive a new flood plain map by 2012.