Bellevue Receives Improved Flood Protection Rating
-Citizens to Enjoy Lower Flood Insurance Premiums-
Release Date: January 12, 2001
Release Number: R10-01-05
Bellevue, WA -- Bellevue property owners are about to pay less for flood insurance thanks to their city's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS). On Tuesday, January 16, at the Bellevue City Council meeting, FEMA Deputy Regional Director Tammy Doherty will recognize Bellevue for improving the community's floodplain rating from a Class 7 to a Class 6. Class 6 puts Bellevue in the top two percent of participating communities. Residents will now save 20 percent (up from 15 percent) in flood insurance premiums.
"Our Community Rating System rewards communities for mitigating flood risks that threaten their residents. The City of Bellevue has gone far beyond those minimum actions required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program," said Doherty. "CRS Categories range from Mapping and Regulations, to Flood Damage Reduction, Flood Preparedness, and Public Awareness outreach. Bellevue has done an excellent job addressing these issues."
Bellevue Utilities Department Director Lloyd Warren agrees. "We're proud of our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, and the Community Rating System. The new Class 6 rating will make flood insurance for Bellevue property owners even more affordable," said Warren. "Bellevue was one of the first cities in the country to implement a comprehensive plan to address preservation and enhancement of streams and reduction of flooding. Because of investments in flood control projects over the years and a vigorous operations and maintenance program, the city has fared very well during recent storms. Residents probably remember sites that used to flood years ago, such as 140th and NE 21st that do not flood today."
Class ratings run from Ten to One and flood insurance premium reductions run in five percent increments, from five percent to 45 percent.
Last Modified: Friday, 24-Oct-2003 14:46:20