First HMGP Project in Orleans Parish Approved

November 26, 2007 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved funding to reconstruct six severe repetitive loss properties in Orleans Parish. The approved project is significant because it is the first project in Orleans Parish being funded through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grants Program (HMGP).

The funding provides mitigation alternatives to reduce or eliminate long-term risks for properties affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Under FEMA's Pilot Reconstruction Program, eligible applicants may receive HMGP funds to demolish an existing structure and construct an improved, elevated structure on the same site. This may include pre-existing structures that were substantially damaged or destroyed because of the declared event.

Funding from the $885,036 Pilot Reconstruction Grant is earmarked to rebuild the residential properties in compliance with the latest building codes and to elevate one foot above Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE). The project is designed to reduce future flood damages, health and safety risks, clean-up costs and displacement time for the homeowners. These measures will also bring cost savings to the National Flood Insurance Program.

Approximately $1.1 billion in HMGP funds are currently assigned to support eligible mitigation activities homeowners can complete via the state's Road Home Hazard Mitigation program. The process by which these mitigation activities may be fundable has been approved by FEMA, however each property must be verified eligible prior to FEMA funds being awarded. The state's Office of Community Development (OCD) is the applicant for this HMGP project.