Welcome to Skagit County

November 7, 2003

SKAGIT COUNTY EARNS CRS 6 RATING
-Residents Pay Less For Flood Insurance-

SEATTLE – Skagit County residents already enjoy reduced flood insurance premiums as a result of their county’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, they’re about to pay even less.

“The CRS rewards communities for implementing programs and policies which protect their citizens from flooding,” said Pennington. “Such activities can range from mapping, regulations and flood damage reduction to flood preparedness and public awareness programs. Skagit County’s higher regulatory standards and innovative community outreach initiatives earned a CRS Class 6 rating.”

Skagit County Surface Water Management’s Delores McLeod agrees. “With the recent flood event, awareness has never been more important,” said McLeod. “We can’t stop the rain – but we can help protect our citizens from the worst effects of flooding, and 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 Ten to One. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the Class rating. Skagit County’s new 6 rating has earned policyholders a 20 percent reduction on flood insurance premiums. Policyholders collectively will save more than $200,000. The average annual policy in Skagit County is approximately $550. The new classification saves each policyholder an average of $110.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
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ATTENTION NEWS ROOMS: FEMA Region 10 Mitigation Branch Chief Mark Carey will present the new CRS award to the Skagit County Commissioners and Delores McLeod at the Skagit County Administration Building (700 S. Second Street, Room 202) on Monday, 10 November 2003 at 9:30 a.m.