The Community Rating System

Initiated in 1990, the Community Rating System (CRS) reduces flood insurance premiums to reflect those community activities that are above and beyond the NFIP's (National Flood Insurance Program) minimum standards. The objective of the CRS is to reward insured residents for their community's continued involvement, as well as provide an incentive for new flood protection activities.

Nationwide, of the nearly 20,000 communities participating in the NFIP, roughly 1,018 community flood management programs are recognized by CRS verification audits. In a cooperative effort with the District, Clark County, the City of Henderson, the City of Las Vegas, and the City of North Las Vegas were among the communities to realize a 5 to 15 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums as a result of these audits.

These entities received credit for the District's public information programs, maintenance activities, re-mapping efforts, and the Flood Threat Recognition System. In addition, the District's Master Plan, Hydrologic Criteria and Drainage Design Manual, and the Uniform Regulations for the Control of Drainage serve as the foundation of a higher regulatory standard that has been recognized by CRS auditors as one of the most comprehensive in the nation.