(MANHATTAN, Kansas, April 10, 2018) – The City of Manhattan has been upgraded to a Category 6 in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), which will result in a 20% premium discount for flood insurance policyholders starting on May 1, 2018.
 
“We are constantly looking for ways to reduce the flood risk for residents and business owners through mitigation efforts, policies, and infrastructure.  These activities all improve our standing in the CRS program, which will lead to a greater discount on flood insurance premiums for our citizens” says Eric Cattell, AICP, Community Development Director.
 
Manhattan has been a participant in the CRS program since 2013 when it entered as a Category 8 community.  This equaled a 10% reduction in a flood insurance policyholders. Manhattan is now one of the top 3 cities in the state, all reaching a Category 6.  A Category 1 is the highest level that a community can reach in the CRS program, which equates to 45% discount in flood insurance costs. Currently, there are 35 cities and counties in Kansas that participate in the CRS program. 
 
CRS is a FEMA program that recognizes a community’s floodplain management activities that exceed the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum standards.  The Community Development Department provided information to FEMA on a variety of activities, policies, and procedures that the City has implemented to reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Manhattan.  These activities include advanced flood mapping, floodplain regulations that are stricter than the FEMA minimum regulations, flood mitigation efforts, stormwater management and flood preparedness outreach.
 
For additional information, contact Chad Bunger via email at bunger@cityofmhk.com or by phone at 785-587-2412.