Ketchikan Gateway Borough (Alaska) Earns Class 9 Crs Rating

Ketchikan Gateway Borough residents will now receive reduced flood insurance premiums as a result of the borough’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, they’ll not only pay less in insurance premiums, but receive reduced exposure to flood damage.

“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. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s digital flood map initiatives, public education outreach and staff education programs have earned a CRS Class 9 rating.”

According to Ketchikan Gateway Borough Manager Roy Eckert, “We’ve worked hard to educate our citizenry on flood risks and floodplain regulations, and to ensure they are familiar with and have access to the latest flood insurance rate maps,” said Eckert. “We may not be able to prevent future floods, but we can help protect our citizens from their 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 Ten to One. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the Class rating.