Web Copy: Article on HMGP Grant Funds for LHE News

In a previous role, I composed blog posts and news articles for the company blog. Below is a post published in 2009. Unfortunately the site it was published on is no longer active.

Grant Funds Currently Available for Hurricane Shutters and Other Individual Mitigation Measures

Long-awaited funding for hurricane mitigation measures is finally available to homeowners. Funds for Individual Mitigation Measures (IMM) have been a hot topic with the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) since 2008 and have met with many road blocks along the way. In a LRA January 2009 article on the grant, Christina Stephens reported:

Because the Road Home program is funded with Community Development Block Grant funds administered by the federal government, when the state seeks to change the program it must publish a formal Action Plan Amendment for public comment and seek LRA board and Legislative approval before submitting the plan to HUD for federal approval.

The two action plans presented at that time were denied, but in November of 2009 the program finally began and letters were sent to all recipients of Road Home grants. According to a NOLA.com article by David Hammer, applicants have until March 10, 2010 to return the applications to the state if they are interested in the funding. However, though this deadline has passed, applications are still being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Funds are being provided by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) rather than the Road Home program. This is the same program administering the grant funds for the current $100,000 incentive for home elevation.

If you are currently participating in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), you may be eligible for the Individual Mitigation Measures (IMM) funding that is available to help secure your home against future hurricane damage. The $7,500 being offered by HMGP is in addition to the $100,000 available for home elevation. According to HMGP’s official benefits page, damage mitigation activities that are approved are as follows:

• Installing window protection
• Installing hurricane straps/clips
• Bolting walls to foundation
• Strengthening doors
• Anchoring propane tank/heating fuel tank
• Elevating electrical panel, HVAC unit, washer/dryer, furnace and/or water heater

In order to qualify, homeowners must meet the following guidelines as outlined on HMGP’s official benefits page:

• The property must be cleared by FEMA for environmental and historic preservation impact
• Homeowner is an eligible participant in the Road Home program
• Homeowner selected Road Home Option 1—Keep their home
• Homeowner still owns the home that was eligible for Road Home benefits or has acquired the home along with an assignment of Road Home rights
• The structure is located in a FEMA-designated ABFE or the mitigation activity is deemed cost beneficial according FEMA guidelines
• Homeowner agrees to comply with all Hazard Mitigation Grant Program regulations as set forth by OCD-DRU, GOSHEP & FEMA

Applications for HMGP’s Individual Mitigation Measures program are currently being accepted on a first come first serve basis.

If you are unsure about your qualification or just want more information, you can contact us at 1-800-HOME-LIFT or contact the Hazard Grant Mitigation Program at 1-877-824-8312.