BISMARCK, N.D. – As a participating community in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) program, the City is required to develop and post a progress report relating to the flood mitigation action items as identified in the 2020 Bismarck Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The progress report must be distributed to the City Commission and also be available to the public. The Flood Mitigation Progress Report and the Community Rating System (CRS) renewal certification was addressed at the January 25, 2022 City Commission Meeting. A copy of the report entitled “Flood Mitigation Annual Progress Report” can be viewed or downloaded from the City website www.bismarcknd.gov/floodresources.

The Flood Mitigation Annual Progress Report constitutes the review of the plan by the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee since its adoption. The information in the progress report presents the progress made to-date on specific mitigation actions in the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The CRS program is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages a comprehensive approach to floodplain management and rewards communities that exceed minimum floodplain management requirements. The CRS program provides benefit to Bismarck by conducting activities to better manage risk in categories such as public information, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction, warning and response, stormwater and drainage system maintenance.

Residents and business owners in the City of Bismarck and Extraterritorial Zone (ETA) may take advantage of a reduction in flood insurance premiums because of the City’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System. In addition to lower premiums, the CRS program helps to reduce the threat of damage due to flooding. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions that meet the goals of the CRS program. Property owners who hold flood insurance policies are encouraged to review the policy with their insurance agent to take advantage of any qualifying discounts.