New Orleans Wins Grant to Raise Frequently Flooded Homes
"This is a huge win for the city of New Orleans. Thanks to the funding from FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program, we will be able to elevate the homes of an additional 52 families across the city who have suffered from flood-loss damages in the past," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.
FEMA has awarded the city of New Orleans $12.5 million in grant funding from the Flood Mitigation Assistance program that will be used to elevate more than 50 pre-identified homes in the city that have experienced repeated, severe flooding. Twenty-two of the homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"Flood mitigation has to remain a constant priority for me and our residents as we learn better how to live with water," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. "This is a huge win for the city of New Orleans. Thanks to the funding from FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program, we will be able to elevate the homes of an additional 52 families across the city who have suffered from flood-loss damages in the past. Home elevation is one of the many strategies that the administration is putting into action to reduce flood risk and strengthen resiliency throughout the city."
The city's Hazard Mitigation Office applied for FMA funds on behalf of Orleans Parish homeowners who have experienced severe and repetitive losses from flood damage. The grant application was submitted by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, awarded by FEMA, and is the largest single grant awarded to any applicant in the latest round of funding, according to the city's news release.
"FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs play a critical role in financing projects that reduce the impacts of natural disasters in the city, protecting both people and property. We are grateful for the support of our state and federal partners as, together, we secured critical funding to mitigate many of our most flood-prone structures," said New Orleans Hazard Mitigation Administrator Ryan Mast.
City residents are encouraged to understand their flood risk, get flood insurance, and learn more about home elevation and other ways to protect property from flood damage by visiting https://ready.nola.gov/rain/.