FEMA outlines flood mitigation grant criteria for property elevation and reconstruction

St. Augustine is gearing up for significant flood mitigation efforts, with a focus on individual property assistance. During a recent workshop, officials revealed that $120 million of a $600 million grant is earmarked for flood mitigation assistance, allowing homeowners to elevate or reconstruct their properties to better withstand flooding.

A key requirement for homeowners looking to benefit from this grant is the necessity of maintaining a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy indefinitely. Homeowners without an existing NFIP policy are urged to secure one promptly, as it typically takes 30 days for coverage to activate. The application period for the grant is expected to open in October, although the exact date has yet to be announced.

The workshop highlighted two primary mitigation strategies: elevation and reconstruction. Elevation involves raising homes at least two feet above the base flood elevation, which is determined by the likelihood of flooding in a given year. Reconstruction entails demolishing existing homes and rebuilding them to higher standards, also requiring elevation above the base flood level.

The grant prioritizes primary residences and considers properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) for funding. Homes with a history of severe repetitive loss or substantial damage—defined as damage exceeding 50% of the home’s market value—are also given higher priority in the grant scoring process.

For homeowners, the financial implications are significant. Severe repetitive loss properties can receive 100% funding for mitigation projects, while those classified as repetitive loss may receive 90% funding, leaving homeowners responsible for only 10% of the total project cost.

As St. Augustine prepares for the upcoming application period, residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure their eligibility for this vital flood mitigation assistance, which aims to reduce the risk of future flooding and enhance community resilience.