Sandwich Reaps the Benefits of Coastal Resilience Program with Reduced Flood Insurance Costs
Collaborative efforts result in 20% reduction in premiums, saving residents and businesses $82,000 annually starting October 1st.
July 22, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – Starting October 1, Sandwich residents and business owners will save 20% on flood insurance premiums under a new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) initiative, resulting in $82,000 in community-wide annual savings and an average of $280 per policyholder, thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program.
Shannon Hulst, WHOI Sea Grant Floodplain and CRS Specialist at Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, collaborated with Sandwich town officials to achieve the town’s insurance discount, earning the town the highest insurance discount in New England. Participating in the CRS program cuts flood insurance costs, crucial in flood-prone areas, and encourages measures that enhance building safety and resilience against floods, securing a safer future for Sandwich’s homes and businesses.
“The discount will benefit 300 current policyholders, and almost every property owner in Sandwich can get a National Flood Insurance Program policy, regardless of flood zone,” Shannon Hulst, championing the CRS, explained. “I see the CRS as promoting resilience by encouraging communities to enhance floodplain structures with stricter standards and enforcement. It also raises flood awareness while preserving open space. With sea level rise and more frequent flooding, participating in the CRS program helps communities focus on preparing for future storm risks.”
“With about 2,900 acres of Sandwich designated as floodplain, this initiative is crucial. Participation in the CRS program not only addresses rising sea levels and more frequent storms but also enhances our community’s resilience,” emphasized Leanne Drake, Sandwich’s Town Planner. “By achieving this substantial flood insurance discount, we are securing a safer and more affordable future for all residents and business owners.”
For information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov. To learn more about the CRS program, visit https://seagrant.whoi.edu/regional-topics/storms-erosion-flooding/community-rating-system/.
# # #
