Preparing For Climate Change - Community Rating System & Common Regulations

The fourth “Preparing for Climate Change” workshop will be held on October 8th at the Seabrook Public Library (25 Liberty Lane) from 6:00pm until 7:30pm. This workshop will build upon the concerns and actions items identified in the August 13th workshop regarding consistent regulations between Hampton, Hampton Falls and Seabrook and ways to work with State agencies.

The first presentation, by Jennifer Gilbert, Senior Planner and Floodplain Program Coordinator, from the NH Office of Energy and Planning, will be about the Community Rating System (CRS). CRS is a voluntary incentive program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The CRS also provides an incentive for communities to initiate new flood protection activities. Residents in a CRS community can receive discounted flood insurance premium rates in exchange for the community taking steps to protect people and properties from floods and storms. Participants will learn how the system works and provides savings on flood insurance to residents, how towns can get into CRS, and more.

The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) will be the second presenter. Through the upcoming “Tides To Storms” project, RPC will be conducting a basic audit of municipal regulations and documents, such as a town’s Master Plan. Participants will review the list of topics RPC will be addressing during the review and brainstorm additional topics that should be evaluated in their town.
Residents, town officials, board/commission members, and business owners in Hampton, Seabrook and Hampton Falls are encouraged to attend and participate in these workshops. There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Registration (http://www.tinyurl.com/shea-oct8) is not required, but is appreciated. For more information, please email chris.keeley@unh.edu.org, or call 603-862-6707.

This series of workshops is funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Coastal Program. It is managed by staff from the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and NH Sea Grant.