How does the Flood Elevation Program operate?

The Parish applies for grants on behalf of homeowners, when funding opportunities become available, typically through FEMA. In order to initially qualify, a structure must be designated as a Repetitive Loss (RL) or Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) and must be covered by flood insurance. Funding programs may require up to 25% matching funds from the homeowner. These are highly competitive grants and the submission of an application does not guarantee funding approval. Additionally, it is a very slow process and can take years to get to the elevation construction.

 

How will residents be contacted if they are eligible for a grant?

If a funding opportunity becomes available, homeowners who are either RL or SRL are sent letters to determine their interest in participating in the program. 

 

What is the average cost of an elevation?

The average project cost for a home to be elevated in St. Charles Parish is $120,000. This includes costs for the construction, surveying, engineering, project management, and homeowner relocation expenses. This cost varies depending on the square footage of the structure, type of foundation, height of elevation, and other individual project features.

Homeowners usually have a cost share and will have to pay a portion of their project cost. Cost shares range from 0% to 25%; this amount is based on the grant program requirements. As an example, a 25% cost share on a $120,000 project would require the homeowner to pay $30,000 for their project and the grant would pay $90,000.

 

Who can I call if I’m interested in elevating my home?

Residents can call the Grants Office at 985-783-5000. The office will keep a record of all calls, addresses, and contact information.

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For the purposes of the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program, the terms ‘repetitive loss structure’ and ‘severe repetitive loss’ property are defined below:

Repetitive Loss (RL)

The term ‘repetitive loss structure’ means a structure covered by a contract for flood insurance that—

(A)has incurred flood-related damage on 2 occasions, in which the cost of repair, on the average, equaled or exceeded 25 percent of the value of the structure at the time of each such flood event; and (B) at the time of the second incidence of flood-related damage, the contract for flood insurance contains increased cost of compliance coverage.

Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)

The term ‘severe repetitive loss’ is a structure covered under a contract for flood insurance made available under the NFIP; and has incurred flood-related damage

1. For which four or more separate claims payments (includes building and contents) have been made under flood insurance coverage with the amount of each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claims payments exceeding $20,000, or
2. For which at least two separate claims payments (includes only building) have been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the market value of the insured structure.