October 24, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality presented a plaque to Saginaw Township on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in recognition of the township's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System.

The CRS is a voluntary point-based system that recognizes exemplary floodplain management by offering discounted flood insurance within participating communities. Each community is given a rank according to the extent of the community's floodplain management and flood hazard minimization.

Saginaw Township is the third community in Saginaw County to join the CRS. Through their efforts of floodplain management, they have entered the program with a rating of 9, and as a result, the residents in Saginaw Township now receive a five percent discount on flood insurance. More importantly, the township's hard work will help reduce future flood damages.

Any community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program that is in good standing is eligible to join the CRS. The community must participate in a Community Assistance Visit with the DEQ and then apply to the federal program.

More information on the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System is available online at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/index.htm.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised October 24, 2004 by Pat Watson