Avalon Looks to Further Lower Flood Insurance Costs

AVALON – Just over one month ago, Avalon property owners could take advantage of a 10% reduction in federal flood insurance premiums. Avalon and Sea Isle City earned coveted level three status in Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System. That level earns a 35% discount, up from the 25% property owners previously enjoyed.
Avalon jumped from level five to level three in one review cycle, moving into rarified air in the FEMA program. What got them there was a relentless search for ways to improve the borough’s resiliency, to keep its property owners as informed as possible on the national flood programs, and to engage in a seemingly never-ending set of projects to mitigate the potential effects of flooding on the barrier island.
The borough is setting its sights on moving up again.
The continuously evolving CRS program provides points for actions by a participating municipality aimed at mitigating the worst effects of flooding, while also encouraging homeowners to obtain appropriate levels of insurance.
At the June 10 Avalon Borough Council meeting, the governing body heard about and approved Avalon’s participation in the Atlantic-Cape Multi-Jurisdictional Program for public information. Participation in the program will obligate the borough to host a meeting for property owners to provide the information and tools that would allow residents to properly gauge the level of federal flood insurance they should have.
Mayor Martin Pagliughi will follow up with a letter, stressing the importance of appropriate flood insurance in a community like Avalon. 
The goal of encouraging appropriate levels of flood insurance is one the borough can easily support.
There are no requirements that homeowners buy or upgrade coverage as part of the program. The program is aimed at information dissemination only.
Yet, the other benefit to Avalon’s participation in the program