Galveston County, TX Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) Elevation Grant Program Mitigating Frequently Flooded Homes Against Future Loss
Galveston County SRL Project Team Cindy Pagan Galveston County Grants Manager Kalindi Fitch Deputy Director of Client Services Brian Ramm- Operations Supervisor Brad Simpson- Project Manager Elizabeth Gonzales- Project Support and Administration Lauren Turner- Applicant Point of Contact 2
What is the FEMA SRL Program? Authorized by the Bunning-Bereuter- Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, which amended the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 Provides funding to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to SRL and repetitive loss (RL) structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Purpose is to reduce or eliminate claims under the NFIP through project activities that will result in the greatest savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF) Completely VOLUNTARY mitigation program 3
SRL and RL Properties What makes an RL property an SRL? Four NFIP claims (each > $5 K; total > $20 K), two of which occurred in a 10-year period; or Two separate NFIP building claims (total > building fair market value [FMV]) within 10 years Currently NFIP insured 4
Increased Cost of Compliance Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Pilot program with SRL Triggered by an offer of mitigation Can cover local match Pays up to $30,000 for eligible elevation costs 5
Galveston County SRL Elevation Project Raise existing structure at or above base flood elevation (BFE) or alternate elevation Project must be cost-effective Elevation methods: Elevating on continuous foundation walls Elevating on open foundations such as piles, piers, posts, or columns Elevating on fill Prior flood loss determines benefit Method of elevation drives cost 6
Benefits of Elevation Elevation reduces the flood risk to the house and its contents. Elevation eliminates the need to move vulnerable contents to areas above the water level during flooding. Elevation techniques are well known, and qualified contractors are often readily available. Elevation reduces the physical, financial, and emotional strain that accompanies floods. Elevation provides homeowners with additional parking and storage space within their home. Elevation often reduces flood insurance premiums. 7
What Costs Will Be Eligible? Architectural and engineering fees associated with a design for elevating an eligible insured building Permitting Clearing necessary vegetation and preparing path for installation of lifting supports Excavation around the dwelling Lifting or jacking building Temporary support cribbing Disconnecting utility connections Extending or modifying utility connections Reconnecting utility connections Constructing a compliant foundation Code upgrade requirements not related to state or local floodplain ordinances Cost associated with elevating the insured building out of a SFHA Restoring the lawn Restoring walks, driveways, and other surfaces outside the perimeter exterior walls of the insured 8
What s Next? Galveston County has been awarded a $34 million Elevation Grant from FEMA. Eligible applicants have been notified. Voluntary interest notices have been/will be sent to the SRL team, indicating interest in the program. Consultation agreements with the applicants willing to proceed with the program Mitigation offer and contract with County 9
Questions Regarding the SRL Program? Kalindi Fitch SAIC Deputy Director of Client Services, Financial Recovery Services BDR Division phone: (321) 441-8513 mobile: (407) 615-0666 fax: (321) 441-8501 kalindi.fitch@saic.com saic.com 10