Fort Myers Beach Council gets update on FEMA elevation grants for homeowners
Elevation grants for homes have been approved by FEMA for 25 homeowners on Fort Myers Beach, the town’s consulting firm Tidal Basin told the town council on Monday.
The town has been expecting the grants to elevate the homes, after a previous announcement from FEMA.
Mark Boone, of Tidal Basin, told the town council that the homeowners approved for grants have had their eligibility approved by FEMA and the Division of Emergency Management after a cost effectiveness study.
The elevation grants were applied for after Hurricane Ian to assist homeowners rebuild their homes at a higher elevation. Under the grants, homeowners will be required to elevate their homes by a minimum of at least two feet higher than the base flood elevation.
The grants are meant to make the homes more resilient and sturdier to withstand a storm.
Boone said that Tidal Basin will meet with homeowners soon to discuss further steps for the grants and the elevation work. While 25 were approved, he said one or two of the homeowners might drop out.
According to Boone, FEMA will pay up to 75% of project costs for the elevation work. A non-federal match will come from the homeowner. The homeowner can also seek relief from a federal small business administration loan or an Increased Cost of Compliance fund through National Flood Insurance Program. The Increase Cost of Compliance Fund could be useful as the program has been in the works for approximately three years, when construction costs were lower.
Homeowners who agree to the elevation grants must maintain flood insurance on the property into perpetuity, along with a deed restriction mandating the insurance requirement.
An engineer must certify that the structure can withstand the process of elevation. Owners will be reimbursed by FEMA incrementally after showing proof of payment. Boone suggested that homeowners provide payments every quarter with invoices and proof of payment.
Meanwhile, Boone said there are also hazard mitigation grants pending for Fort Myers Beach homeowners. In addition, a reconstruction grant has been approved by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and sent to FEMA, after completion of an environmental review.
“We are hoping to hear good news soon,” Boone said.
Boone said about 35 people are going through the reconstruction grant application process, and he is hoping to hear in the summer from FEMA on an update.
Councilmember Rebecca Link asked if Tidal Basin will be working closely with the town and homeowners in reviewing invoices so the town is not the only one responsible for reviewing invoices. Boone says it will be a partnership though the town will ultimately be responsible for the ultimate review.
Link and Councilmember John McLean expressed concern that if the town makes any mistakes in the review, that program could be in jeopardy. Boone said there was a potential that any mistake in the review the program could be put in jeopardy.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay asked the firm to provide support to town staff in the review.