The OCD-DRU HMGP can reimburse up to $100,000 (based on actual construction costs) to eligible Road Home Option 1 homeowners for expenses incurred in elevating their homes to meet the Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) or to meet the adopted Base Flood Elevation (BFE) if no ABFE exists. Homeowner eligibility and eligible expenses are determined by FEMA based on HMGP regulations. These funds are not subject to the Road Home $150,000 maximum cap. Program Eligibility A homeowner must meet the following criteria to be considered for the OCD-DRU HMGP award: Homeowner is an eligible participant in the Road Home program and selected Option 1- Keep their home Note: Even if a homeowner received a zero award letter, that homeowner may still be eligible for money through the OCD-DRU Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Homeowner still owns the home that was eligible for Road Home benefits or has acquired the home along with an assignment of rights Note: Assignment of Rights is only applicable to Elevation or IMM activities The structure is located in a FEMA-designated ABFE or the mitigation activity is deemed cost beneficial according to FEMA guidelines Homeowner agrees to comply with all Hazard Mitigation Grant Program regulations as set forth by OCD-DRU, GOHSEP & FEMA Cleared by FEMA. FEMA requires that each participation property undergoes an Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) and cost effectiveness review prior to funding a mitigation project Elevating a Home Elevation means raising the lowest floor of the structure to comply with the FEMA HMGP required height and construction method. The structure is raised with a higher first floor, allowing floodwater to flow under the house rather than through it. Local jurisdictions may require stricter elevation standards than those issued by FEMA. Award Amount Eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 based on documentation of actual total construction costs for elevation. Homeowners are eligible for a mid-point payment once half of the construction work has been completed. The balance will be paid upon completion of work and approval of required documentation. Homeowners can be reimbursed for prior payments made for eligible expenses (proof of payment required), or an Advance Disbursement Request can be made requesting up-front funds for payment of eligible expenses documented in a pending invoice. Duplication of benefits It is illegal to disburse or receive Federal funds twice for the same purpose. Therefore, it would be a duplication of benefits to grant HMGP money for a project already funded through another program. If a homeowner has received sufficient funding from another program that covers the cost of their elevation, reconstruction and/or IMM projects, no additional money can be granted through HMGP for that same purpose. How do I get started? What should be my first step to get HMGP funds? Call OCD-DRU toll free at 1-877-824-8312. We’ll assist you to fill out the required Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA) and answer any additional questions you may have about the program. Back to Top of Page