July 23, 2001

Press Release 

FEMA HazardGrant Program

The Louisiana Office of EmergencyPreparedness is offering a grant program to the City of Thibodaux and 26 otherdeclared parishes in the State of La.  Thegrant, known as Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, is a state-administered grantprogram designed for communities to reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities tohazards. 

Local residents with repetitive-loss properties canapply for the grant.  Eligibilityincludes:  any structure that islisted on the Flood Insurance Agency Repetitive Loss list or maintained by theLa. Office of Emergency Preparedness, any structure that has documentation offlood damages occurring as a minimum of twice in a ten year period, or anystructure that has been substantially damaged by flooding. 

HMGP is a cost-reimbursement grantprogram that can help prevent future loss of life and property due to disasters. Federal funds available for the grant program are estimated $2-$7million.  The federal government isexpected to cover up to 75% of the costs, while residents have to match theremaining 25%.  Individual property owners will have to provide supportingdocumentation to match the payment request.

The HMGP is strictly a voluntaryprogram.  Applicants can eitherapply for an Acquisition Grant, Relocation Grant, or an Elevation Grant. The grant is designed to allow local governments to buy out, relocate, orelevate participant’s properties.  Participantsare required to sign a statement recognizing that this program is voluntary andlocal governments may not use their power of eminent domain toacquire property.  The resident isresponsible for 25% of all costs. 

Local residents who comply withthe eligibility codes can pick up an application to be submitted before the duedate  - August 20, 2001. Applications can be obtained at City Hall. FEMA will review all applications within 45 days. For further information, please contact: Bonnie Lafont, Grants department, at (985) 446-7606.