The Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Flood insurance premium rates for policyholders can be reduced up to 45% based on the communities level of participation. In addition to reduced insurance rates, CRS floodplain management activities enhance public safety, reduce damages to property and public infrastructure, avoid economic disruption and losses, reduce human suffering, and protect the environment. Technical assistance on designing and implementing some activities is available at no charge. Participating in the CRS provides an incentive for maintaining and improving a community's floodplain management program over the years. Implementing some CRS activities can help projects qualify for certain other Federal assistance programs.