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New county rating will reduce flood-insurance premiums
Snohomish County residents with flood insurance policies for properties in the 100-year floodplain will find their annual premiums reduced due to the county's improved rating in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS).
On Monday, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regional administrators recognized the county for improving its CRS rating from a Class 5 to a Class 4. This recognition was based on FEMA's recent audit of the county's floodplain management activities.
The audit resulted in additional credit being granted to the county for its improved practices and regulations in stormwater management. Surface Water Management fees covered the cost of implementing these improvements.
The new Class 4 rating provides a 30 percent discount for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies issued or renewed for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). These are high-risk areas that would be inundated by a base flood - a flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in a given year. Properties with federally backed mortgages within this flood zone must carry flood insurance.
"Working together to improve stormwater management and reduce flood risk throughout the county pays big dividends for our government, the community, taxpayers and flood-insurance policy holders," Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. "The county has fared relatively well during recent flood events, partly due to our investments in flood control projects and our commitment to stormwater maintenance."
In addition, mitigation of flood activities during the past decade has been so successful that Snohomish County is now actively pursuing the consolidation of all mitigation activities, including the discussion of a full-time mitigation division in county government.
"This type of dedication and vision to reducing disaster impacts is a natural evolution of Snohomish County's growth during the past 10 years," Reardon said.
About 2,800 homeowners in Snohomish County maintain NFIP policies. Nearly 1,900 of those policies are for properties within SFHAs. The average annual premium for structures in the SFHAs of Snohomish County is $750. The improved rating will save $225 annually per SFHA policy.
The Community Rating System program is an incentive program of the National Flood Insurance Program, which rewards communities that go beyond the minimum requirements to reduce flood damage in the community.
The county was accepted into the CRS program in 2006 as a CRS Class 5 community.
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The Snohomish County Growers Alliance was formed in order that our local Agricultural businesses would have a greater voice in their future. As the Alliance moves forward they are recruiting members from all aspects of Agriculture; from Crop growers, livestock producers, nurseryman, poultry and egg producers, agritourism farms, apple and other tree fruit growers, berry growers, and Dairymen.
One of our first major projects is the establishment of a year round farmers market, but this is not to say that the alliance does not support all the seasonal markets that will be opening in every town in Snohomish County come May. The Alliance wants all market operators and their vendors to know that we will do everything we can to support and give voice to these businesses. As long as the farmers of Snohomish County have an opportunity to market their products at fair and sustainable levels we will be in support of those operations.
We would love anyone who wants to support our alliance to join today and help us keep Agriculture thriving and growing in Snohomish County now and in the future.
www.snocogrowers.com |
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Snohomish County to host FSA State Director
Farmers and ranchers invited to dialogue with FSA
Local producers wanting to discuss Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs or seeking more information will have an opportunity to do so Monday, April 11, 2011. State Executive Director Judy Olson will participate in the meeting and listening session with (invited) opening remarks by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.
"As we begin the process for the next Farm Bill, we want to know what the agricultural community thinks of FSA programs," Olson said. "Our relationship with producers is extremely important, and this is an opportunity for us to communicate and share ideas and concerns."
The meeting starts at 10 a.m. and will be at the 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, in Everett. It will be in the 1st floor conference room in the Drewel building.
"This is an opportunity for producers to tell us about what's impacting them," said North Puget Sound Executive Director Melissa Michael.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting, or anyone who has questions about the meeting should contact the Snohomish-Clallam-Jefferson Counties FSA office at (425) 334-3131 ext. 104 or melissa.michael@wa.usda.gov. FSA is committed to making programs accessible to all customers. |
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Western Washington Wine Grape Growers Workshop
Growers to sample cool climate wine varieties, meet the new WSU Viticulture Extension Specialist.
MOUNT VERNON - Wine grape growers and winemakers in western Washington can meet with wine and viticulture experts, sample new cool climate wine varieties, and discuss pest and management issues at the Wine Grape Growers Workshop on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in the auditorium of the WSU Mount Vernon Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center. The workshop is presented by WSU, in cooperation with the Puget Sound Wine Grape Growers, the Northwest Wine Academy, South Seattle Community College, and Cloud Mountain Farm.
Starting at 8:30 A.M., grape growers and wine makers will hear talks by Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, WSU Viticulture & Enology Program Director, and Dr. Michelle Moyer, the new WSU State-wide Viticulture Specialist. Other visiting speakers will review the 2010 season with growers, and cover pest and management issues significant for western Washington growers. The afternoon session features new wine grape varieties suited for cool maritime climates, and a wine tasting with a selection of characteristic wines from similar regions locally and worldwide.
The workshop takes place on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, from 8 AM to 4 PM. Cost for the Workshop is $85 for those registered by March 15, and includes a box lunch and wine tasting. Registrations from March 16 - March 25 are $100, and include the wine tasting but no lunch.
Online registration and program agenda are available on the WSU Maritimefruit website at
http://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/Pages/Events.aspx.
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Linda Neunzig
Snohomish County Agricultural Coordinator
M/S #411
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-7170
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Upcoming Events
Please join us for the upcoming Snohomish County Growers Alliance general membership meeting.
Feel free to bring along others interested in learning more about the market.
When: Wednesday, March 16th
Where: WSU extension office on 128th
Western Washington Wine Grape Growers Workshop
Meet the WSU Viticulture & Enology Program Director, Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, and the new WSU State-wide Viticulture Specialist, Dr. Michelle Moyer
When: Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Where: WSU Mt Vernon NWREC
Time: 8:00am
Snohomish County Agriculture Advisory Board Meet
Open to the public, learn what's happening in Snohomish County!
When: Tuesday April 12, 2011
Where: 3000 Rockefeller Ave Everett, WA - Drewel Building, 8th floor conference room
Time: 12:30
Proper Livestock Handling Now Makes for Prime Cuts Later
Learn techniques to ensure the health and safety of your livestock investment!
When: Saturday and Sunday April 9-10, 2011
Where: Sheriff's Posse Arena at 5421 S. Machias Rd., just north of Snohomish, WA.
Time: Saturday (9am-3pm) and Sunday (9am-4pm)
Snohomish Conservation District Awards and Reception
Celebrate 70 Years of Conservation with us!
When: Thursday March 24, 2011
Where: Legion Hall, American Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson BLVD Everett
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm
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