i~ O > <br /> December 20, 2001 <br /> i <br /> CONTAC Donna Stark, Engineering Permit Tech Supervisor, 682-5226 <br /> I,I <br /> From Publ c Information Section, 682-5523 <br /> ' FOR IMM DIATE RELEASE <br /> III, <br /> ~I CITY FL OD AWARENESS PROGRAM CUTS INSURANCE COSTS FOR HOMEOWNERS <br /> Lo I property owners continue to benefit from Eugene's participation in the National <br /> i <br /> Flood Insu ance Program. Effective October 1, 2001, Eugene achieved a Class 7 program <br /> rating. Thi rating entitles holders of flood insurance policies issued or renewed for properties <br /> within spe ial flood hazard areas a 15% discount on their insurance premiums. <br /> I Ge rge Currin, a local representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency <br /> <br /> a <br /> ~i (FEMA), w ich manages the National Flood Insurance Program, estimated that a typical <br /> property o ner will save $55 a year in flood insurance premiums because of Eugene's Class 7 <br /> i <br /> rating. A n tuber of activities contributed to the new rating: <br /> ~ ~ • AI new development within special flood hazard areas is subject to regulatory <br /> standards. New construction must be elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. <br /> Elevation c rtificates for newly constructed or substantially improved buildings within flood <br /> hazard are s are maintained at the City's Permit and Information Center (PIC). <br /> • FI od hazard area map information is provided to the public at the PIC. Flood plain <br /> information has been added to the City's computerized geographic information system. The <br /> j <br /> II City's educ tional outreach program includes newsletter articles, a web site, and mailings to <br /> affected pr perty owners. Materials relating to flood plain management, flood insurance, <br /> building pr ection measures and related topics are available at the Eugene Public Library. <br /> • A ortion of the area that is in the flood plain is maintained as open space. Major City- <br /> ~ owned pro rties in the flood plain include Alton Baker Park and Delta Ponds. Additionally, the <br /> City is pres ruing or restoring to a natural condition wetlands in west Eugene. <br /> The City also received credit for its stormwater management and storm drainage system <br /> maintenanc activities. <br /> P blic Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />