County-Wide Collaboration Reduces Flood Risks and Insurance Rates

County of Barnstable, Massachusetts encourages municipalities to take actions that lower flood risks, which can reduce flood insurance premiums by earning credits through the Community Rating System (CRS). In one project, 26 mosquito-control workers cleaned debris out of the 1,500 miles of ditches, pipers, and other conduits that channeled stormwater away from buildings and roads. Since mosquito breed in standing stagnant water, clearing the drainage system not only controlled flooding but also helped control mosquitos. Municipalities are now using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to electronically map ditches for maintenance, to assist stormwater management while earning credits to reduce flood insurance premium.