The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acknowledged the City of Redmond’s flood-management efforts at Tuesday’s City Council meeting through the award of a Class 5 rating. FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy noted that this rating translated into a 25 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums for property owners who purchase flood insurance.

Through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, Redmond has undertaken a series of meaningful activities to protect its citizens from losses caused by flooding and has significantly exceeded the requirements for the program.

The city has worked to preserve 60 percent of the flood plains and open spaces such as soccer fields and parks, and is working on regulating standards in the flood plan so citizens aren’t inadvertently put in harm’s way from rivers and streams.

“I’m very proud of staff’s work to earn this award. The FEMA recognition benefits our residents and our environment. It’s a win-win for us—increased flood protection for the community and significant savings on insurance premiums,” stated Mayor John Marchione.