The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 directed the Federal Government to identify all floodprone areas in the U.S. and to establish flood-risk zones within floodprone areas. Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for floodplain management.
Communities have a choice in participating in or “joining” the National Flood Insurance Program (NIFP). Those that join, like Fremont, agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances for building standards that apply to new and existing buildings. Joining NIFP also means property owners are eligible to purchase flood insurance.
Communities in the NIFP earn ratings for management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. By adopting and enforcing higher standards, homeowners can save up to 45% on flood insurance premiums. The higher standards also enhance public safety, reduce damage to property, protect public infrastructure, reduce human suffering, and protect the environment. Fremont’s rating increased from a Class 9 to a Class 8. The increase entitles property owners in special flood hazard areas to a 5% reduction in flood insurance premium.
Thanks to the efforts of the “third floor,” and in particular, Troy Anderson and Don Simon, both Certified Floodplain Managers by the Association of State Floodplain Managers, we will continue working to improve Fremont’s community rating. Each rating not only provides savings in flood insurance premiums to property owners, but improves the public safety in our community as well.