Calif. City Recognized by FEMA for "Best in the Nation" Flood Program

Roseville's status as the first city in the nation to achieve the highest "Class 1" rating for flood protection by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was recognized last month during a formal ceremony here with federal, state and local officials.

The city's aggressive flood control work and high development standards earned Roseville top honors from FEMA earlier this year with the added distinction of being the first city in the nation to obtain the federal agency's Class 1 rating, the highest rank in its Community Rating System for flood protection and flood insurance rates.

David Maurstad, FEMA's Director of Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, presented Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino with a special plaque signifying the City's Class 1 status.

The ceremony was held next to Roseville's Adam Baquera Park, with its 103 acres of open space designed for flood protection. Other attendees included Dr. Les Harder, Deputy Director of Public Safety and Business Operations for the California Department of Water Resources, members of the Roseville City Council and Roseville Public Works Director Rob Jensen.

"The city takes flood protection very seriously and the work we've accomplished is part of our efforts to ensure we have a safe and healthy community with a strong identity as one of the best cities in the nation," Mayor Garbolino said. "The rating and unique distinction by FEMA is the result of several years of careful planning and implementation by our staff."

FEMA's Community Rating System is an extensive program that evaluates communities in 18 categories regarding preparedness for a flood event. The ratings are certified by FEMA, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, and directly affects flood insurance premiums paid by homeowners. Homeowners can expect reductions of up to 45 percent on flood insurance premiums due to the Class 1 rating, Jensen said.

"We've removed 481 of 569 structures in the 100-year flood plain, and reduced flood risk for 56 others," Jensen said. "We've also required new development to build above the floodplain, while implementing open space next to key waterways, to further diminish the likelihood of a flood event impacting residents."

For more information on the city's flood mitigation efforts, visit Roseville's website.
Watch the event online via streaming video!