A flood hazard mitigation plan recently adopted by the city is the only one in the state to meet the stringent standards of the federal program. Insurance specialists were sufficiently impressed with the city's efforts to invite City Planner Nancy Kincaid to to apply for the rate reduction.

A successful application will result in at least a 5 percent reduction in flood insurance rates after April 1, 2000. Additional measures to reduce the risks of flooding may qualify the city residents for a 10 percent reduction in rates.

"I'm pretty proud," Kincaid said of what she and three community volunteers have accomplished. "We're doing leading edge stuff without even trying ... just because we're doing things that need to be done."

The city was hit hard by the 1997 flood, which wiped out both water treatment plants and caused significant property damage. Almost immediately after, planning began for what the city could do to avoid or mitigate damage in future floods.

The resulting document includes everything from regular maintenance of storm drains to better protection of open space and riparian areas along Wagner Creek. The City Council has already adopted stormwater design standards for new development.

In addition to the flood hazard mitigation plan, the city must educate homeowners on ways to protect their homes from flooding and promote the flood insurance program.

Kincaid says administration of the program is expensive because of the staff time and mailings required.

Only a handful of property owners carry flood insurance in town, and she hopes the rate reduction will encourage others to be more prepared for the next big flood.