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Home Elevation Program
FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Home Elevation Program
Seabrook’s Home Elevation program elevates flood-prone properties considered severe repetitive loss or repetitive loss. Elevations are performed to raise structures 2 feet above the proposed base flood elevation (BFE). Severe repetitive loss usually occurs when a home is built below BFE. Homes built prior to federal flood guidelines are especially susceptible to repetitive loss
In Seabrook, there are several homes on FEMA’s severe repetitive loss list and the City has a goal to mitigate 100% of the homes on the list. Each of these homes needs to be elevated at least 2 feet above BFE to prevent future flooding and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood claims. NFIP losses for homes in Seabrook have totaled nearly $41 million over the last 13 years.
Elevations of these properties will continue to benefit residents by reducing the impacts of flood events and benefit the community from less economic impacts. Also, elevated homes will produce less debris after a flood disaster, resulting in recovery cost savings and less impact on landfills.
The City submitted an Elevation Grant application for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and FEMA recently announced this application was selected for funding. Funding for this success grant will occur sometime in 2025.
What is the FMA Grant?
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is authorized by Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended with the goal of reducing or eliminating flood risk of severe repetitive and repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program provides funding to states, territories, federally recognized tribes, and local communities for projects and planning that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the NFIP. Funding is also available for management costs.
The FEMA FMA grant may pay 75%, 90%, or 100% of the cost of elevation, and the homeowner will be responsible for any HOA requirements or non-eligible work. Properties will be reviewed and a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) done to determine property eligibility.