Town earns advanced FEMA rating for floodplain management

Estimated 25 percent savings in resident insurance premiums as a result

For the past year, Town staff have been working diligently to exceed challenging standards set by the voluntary National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). On September 17, the Town received notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), which administers the program, that its work has been successful.

The Town’s rating jumped two places to a five and residents in special flood zone areas will see up to a 25 percent reduction in premiums on their next insurance renewal. This is estimated to be $363 a year per property policy. Many residents already have lowered premiums because of the Town’s ongoing participation in this program. The total additional savings is an estimated $919,485, when, added to the current savings of about $1.38 million, ups the total savings to around $2.3 million.

“This achievement and savings has been made possible because the Town has enforced greater compliance in building and zoning codes,” said Roger Hernstadt, Town Manager. “Among other gains, we are helping renovated properties and new construction meet the permitting and coding standards, including a focus on flood protection.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) oversees the NFIP-CRS program. In the letter of award received by the Town, William H. Lesser, CRS Coordinator for the Federal Insurance Mitigration Administration, wrote: 

“I commend you on your community actions and your determination to lead your community to be more disaster resistant. This commitment enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums.” 

At the Town Council meeting on September 21, the Town’s achievement of an advanced FEMA rating for floodplain management that saves residents up to 25 percent on flood insurance premiums was recognized. 

Left to right: Councilor Dan Allers, Vice Mayor Rexann Hosafros, Town Manager Roger Hernstadt, Mayor Ray Murphy, Councilor Jim Atterholt, Councilor Bill Veach