Through hard work by the Town of Middletown, it appears like the community's flood rating is about to improve, something that should save dozens of homeowners on their insurance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
POTENTIAL FLOOD INSURANCE SAVINGS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 28, 2022) – Due to an improved rating for the Town, some local flood insurance policy holders could be in line for real savings.
Recently, the Town learned its marks in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System were expected to be upgraded from Class 8 to Class 7.
According to a letter from Eugene Kohls of Verisk, the recommended rating change came about as a result of the Town’s continuing work to mitigate flooding risks, educating the public and related activities.
Should the recommendation be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 86 current flood insurance policy holders stood to save 15 percent on their existing policies — up from 10 percent currently. Kohls wrote the pending change would also apply to future policy holders.
“We were very happy to get this news,” Town Planner Ronald M. Wolanski said. “We’ve worked hard to improve flooding issues and educating the public about how they can help. It’s one of those issues that truly impacts everyone.”
Wolanski said the Community Rating System is strictly voluntary. Middletown is one of 10 municipalities in Rhode Island to take part in the program.
The program is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A FEMA website said the CRS is an incentive program that encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA said more than 1,500 communities take part in the CRS across the United States.
FEMA indicated in CRS communities, flood insurance premiums are lowered because of the work in those municipalities to reduce flooding risks and address the three goals of the program:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property.
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management.
In recent years, the management of stormwater runoff has evolved into one of the bigger issues facing the community.
In turn, the Town has undertaken large- and small-scale projects to help improve the quality of stormwater runoff and reduce flooding. Among those include a new stormwater management system in Middletown Valley by Bailey Brook, installation of the Esplanade diffuser and rain gardens in a number of locations.
Over the past year plus, a group has been working to improve the flow and flooding of the Maidford River along Berkeley Avenue by the intersection with Green End Avenue and Paradise Avenue.
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For a story link, visit: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/4029/nycu-flooding-savings online.