Marion County Residents Pay Less for Flood Insurance
Release Date: June 18, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-011
SALEM, Ore. -- Residents of Marion County will enjoy a further reduction in flood insurance premiums as a result of reaching a new level of active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, they'll not only pay less in insurance premiums, but enjoy reduced exposure to flood damage because of Marion County's mitigation efforts.
"The CRS rewards communities for implementing programs and policies that protect their citizens from flooding," says Reinertson. "Such activities can range from mapping, regulations and flood damage reduction to flood preparedness and public awareness programs. Marion County's flood study and floodplain management initiatives and higher regulatory standards have earned a CRS Class 6 rating."
Marion County Commissioner Janet Carlson agrees. "We've worked hard to mitigate flood risks, and the increase in the flood insurance discount from 15 to 20 percent should encourage those within the areas most susceptible to flooding to protect themselves with insurance," Carlson said. "We may not be able to prevent future floods, but we can help protect residents from the worst effects. And after all, that's what the CRS is all about."
Flood insurance premium reductions resulting from "above and beyond the minimum" initiatives run in five percent increments, from five percent to 45 percent. Class ratings range from 10 to 1. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the class rating. Among the 1049 communities that were participating in CRS as of last October, 80 have a Class 6 rating, 33 are at Class 5, and only one has qualified in each of the Class 1 through 4 ratings. Those who are unsure whether their property is within a floodplain can contact the Marion County Planning Divisions at (503) 588-5038 for information and maps.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Jun-2007 07:51:08