National Flood Insurance Program Training: Intro to the Community Rating System

Instructor: Brad Wenskoski, CFM, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Description: The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is excited to introduce a new workshop that provides a comprehensive overview of the Community Rating System (CRS) program. This program is designed to encourage and reward community efforts to exceed the minimum standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The workshop will focus on a variety of activities that many communities may already be implementing. These activities, often part of a community’s existing floodplain management, emergency response, or environmental preservation efforts, could potentially earn them points under the CRS program. Accumulating these points can lead to discounted flood insurance premiums, providing a financial incentive for communities to maintain and improve their floodplain management practices.

The presentation will cover the following key areas:

1. Introduction to the CRS Program: An overview of the CRS program, its objectives, and benefits. This section will explain how the program works and how communities can participate.
2. Eligible Activities: Detailed discussion on the types of activities that can earn points under the CRS program. Examples of these activities include maintaining flood control structures, preserving open space in floodplains, and enforcing stricter building codes.
3. Getting Started with CRS: Practical guidance on how communities can apply for the CRS program, including the steps involved in the application process, documentation requirements, and tips for a successful application.
4. Maintaining and Improving CRS Ratings: Strategies for communities to maintain their current CRS ratings and improve them over time. This section will also cover how communities can track their progress and report their activities to the CRS program.
5. Case Studies: Real-world examples of communities that have successfully participated in the CRS program. These case studies will highlight the activities these communities undertook to earn CRS points and the benefits they have enjoyed as a result.

This workshop is a must-attend for community leaders, planners, and anyone involved in floodplain management or environmental conservation. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the CRS program and discover how your community can leverage its existing activities for financial and environmental benefits. Join us to learn more about this exciting program and how it can benefit your community.

CECs/PDHs & Registration fees:

• Certified Floodplain Manager, ASFPM: 1 credit
• Code Credit, New York State Department of State: 1 hour
• NYSFSMA Members:$15.
• Free for NYSFSMA members who are New York State Code officials with a student training ID.
• All Non-Members of NYSFSMA:$55
• You can become an individual member of NYSFSMA for only $40 at nyfloods.org