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.

What are the different elevation programs?

Road Home Option 1 participants may have had access to one or more of these three elevation programs:

The National Flood Insurance Program’s Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) program can provide up to $30,000 to eligible policy holders who sustained damage of 50% or more. This is administered through the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program). Homeowners should contact their flood insurance provider for additional information.

The Road Home Elevation Incentive Award provides $30,000 ($20,000 for mobile homes) to eligible homeowners as an incentive to elevate their homes to meet the local Base Flood Elevation or Advisory Base Flood Elevation. These funds are limited to the specific dollar amount and cannot exceed the Road Home $150,000 maximum. For questions about the Road Home Elevation Incentive Award Program, call Road Home at 1-888-ROAD2LA (1-888-762-3252).

The State OCD-DRU Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides up to $100,000 in additional funds (based on actual construction costs rather than a fixed amount) to eligible homeowners to elevate their homes to comply with, at minimum, the FEMA required elevation height for the area. Under FEMA's Pilot Reconstruction Program, eligible applicants may receive HMGP funds to demolish an existing structure and construct an improved, elevated structure on the same site. Homeowner eligibility is determined by FEMA based on HMGP regulations.

For all of these programs you should contact your local building code and permit office to determine elevation requirements for your home.

I’m told that I need to be cleared by FEMA to begin. What is “clearance”?

FEMA reviews the property for cost effectiveness as well as historical and environmental issues. If no issues exist, the property is approved or "cleared" for the program. If there is an issue, the program works with the appropriate entity to resolve the issue so the property may be approved. Normally, work started before receiving FEMA clearance disqualifies the property from HMGP funding.

What if I have completed elevation or reconstruction? Am I still eligible?

For the OCD-DRU HMGP award, if you started construction on or before to March 16, 2008, you could still be eligible (documentation is required). After March 16, 2008, written authorization from the State has been required in order to begin work and remain eligible. Without written authorization you may be ineligible.* In all cases, however, it is important that you contact OCD-DRU before beginning any work to be sure your property is on the FEMA “cleared list.” This means your property was reviewed for environmental clearance and is cleared for you to begin work.

*Note: Recent legislation (Section 602 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) seeks to repeal the provision regarding the date of March 16, 2008. Pending clarification and a ruling from FEMA, the provision remains in force.

Why is March 16, 2008 so important?

Note: Recent legislation (Section 602 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) seeks to repeal the provision regarding the date of March 16, 2008. Pending clarification and a ruling from FEMA, the provision remains in force.

Thousands of homeowners who began elevating and reconstructing their homes immediately after Katrina and Rita without first getting EHP clearance were going to be disqualified from participation in the HMGP program. However, FEMA granted a partial waiver for those cases.

Homeowners who began elevating or reconstructing by March 16, 2008, are not automatically disqualified or qualified, but still must pass an EHP review and meet certain criteria to be deemed eligible.

• If you started work on or before March 16, 2008, whether you have finished your work or not, you should contact OCD-DRU to identify interest in participating in the program and make sure a FEMA review has been done or will be done. You must be on the FEMA “cleared” list to qualify for HMGP funds.



• If you have not yet begun work, you should contact OCD-DRU to identify interest in participating in the program and make sure a FEMA review is completed first. NOTE: Homeowners who start work before receiving FEMA clearance will be ineligible for OCD-DRU HMGP funds.



• If you began work after March 16, 2008, please call OCD-DRU at 1-877-824-8312 to determine if and when your property received FEMA clearance. Note: If FEMA has not performed the necessary clearance process, you are currently ineligible for OCD-DRU HMGP funds.

Note: Recent legislation (Section 602 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) seeks to repeal the provision regarding the date of March 16, 2008. Pending clarification and a ruling from FEMA, the provision remains in force.

The potential award amount for elevation/reconstruction and duplication of benefits would lead one to believe that up to $160,000 could be used to elevate a home before the Applicant would have to use their own money for elevation. This of course assumes one is eligible for ICC $30,000, Road Home $30,000 and HMGP $100,000. Is this a correct assumption?

Yes. Regardless of the sources or amounts of funding an Applicant receives, OCD reviews each project for cost reasonableness.

If the time frame for applying for Road Home elevation incentive award has expired, can an applicant reapply for this award?

Road Home applicants who were affected by Hurricanes Gustav or Ike, and/or did not accept the Road Home Elevation Incentive Award because funding was insufficient until the OCD-DRU HMGP began, can apply for an exception to the elevation deadline by sending a letter to:

                  OCD-DRU
                  Attn: Elevation Incentive Program
                  P.O. Box 94095
                  Baton Rouge, LA 70801

Anyone determined to be eligible for elevation after December 5, 2008, will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

If I sold my home since receiving my Road Home grant, am I eligible?

No. You are not eligible to receive funds under either program if you have sold the home since receiving your Road Home grant.

What if someone received Road Home money, then sold that property to me with an “assignment of rights”? As the new homeowner, do I qualify for HMGP funding?

Homeowners who have purchased a home with an Assignment of Rights from someone who applied to The Road Home and chose Option 1 (whether that original applicant received Road Home money or not) may still be eligible for HMGP elevation or IMM funding. These homeowners are not eligible for HMGP reconstruction funding.

What is the difference between Elevation and Reconstruction?

Elevation means physically raising an existing home to or above the required elevation level. Repair costs are not eligible for reimbursement in an elevation, but things such as reconnecting the plumbing, reconnecting electrical lines, and building access to the elevated home are eligible.

Within this program, Reconstruction does not mean repairing. It means demolishing an existing structure (that is deemed infeasible for elevation) and rebuilding a new structure on the same lot. That new structure must be hazard resistant and built at or above the required elevation level. NOTE: On December 11, 2009, FEMA eliminated the rule forbidding the use of HMGP funds for Pilot Reconstructions resulting in a home more than 10% larger than the square footage of the previous structure. OCD-DRU HMGP funds can now be used for such larger structures which are cost reasonable, but the overall cap of $100,000 remains.

Why is it sometimes referred to as “Pilot” Reconstruction?

Prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA did not provide funding for reconstruction activities. For these disasters FEMA has made reconstruction an eligible activity as a "pilot" or test program.

When can I receive HMGP funding?

If you qualify and you have already paid for all or part of your project, you can get reimbursed for eligible expenses by presenting your receipts, contractor signed contract, canceled checks, paid invoices or other proofs of payment. All rules and regulations must be followed and all requirements of the program met.

For those who don’t have the money to spend and then wait to get reimbursed, you can request consideration for the Alternative Payment Option. This is a mechanism by which FEMA-cleared applicants whose OCD-DRU HMGP awards have been calculated may receive advance funding for either mitigation work performed to date or to be performed. All contracts (specifically the Total Project Cost listed therein) must be evaluated for cost reasonableness and must be approved by OCD-DRU HMGP. All advance requests are subject to the approval of OCD-DRU HMGP and GOHSEP.

Participation in OCD DRU-HMGP requires that you maintain flood insurance. Was I required to have flood insurance at the time of the storm?

Under the OCD-DRU Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, there is no requirement for an applicant to have had flood insurance at the time of the declared event. However, FEMA does require that an applicant maintain flood insurance for the life of the structure following the completion of the mitigation activity (hence the need for a deed restriction--this requirement follows the structure regardless of any future owner).

I’m told I have to use state licensed contractors in most instances.
Do you have a list of approved contractors?

OCD-DRU HMGP is not affiliated with any contractor or contracting firm, and does not endorse or recommend any contractor or contracting firm. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors has a database of licensed contractors at
www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/findcontractor.asp

NOTE: OCD-DRU is in the process of establishing an updated builders registry and construction services. Once available this information will be posted on this website.

Do I need a certificate of occupancy?

Upon presentation of final documentation, a homeowner who has reconstructed must provide a Certificate of Occupancy.

What is the HMGP Covenant?

The HMGP Covenant is required by FEMA. The covenant must be recorded and will require the completion of construction, compliance with building codes, elevation standards, building permits, contractor requirements (registered or licensed), maintenance of flood insurance, and other FEMA requirements.

Is Elevation or Reconstruction allowed in a V-Zone?

The elevation of an existing structure is eligible for HMGP funds in a V-Zone. Be sure to speak with your local building official and permitting office for specific elevation requirements in V-Zones. (See NOTE below)

Pilot Reconstructions are eligible for HMGP funds in a V-Zone if the structure was substantially damaged but not completely destroyed (defined by FEMA as less than 90% damaged). Documentation by the local jurisdiction is required prior to acceptance into the HMGP.

NOTE: All Elevation and Pilot Reconstruction projects must use the base flood elevations (BFE) established in the Preliminary DFIRM maps for any properties that are located in a costal V-Zone or Coastal A-Zone on the Preliminary DFIRM maps for any properties that are located in a coastal V-Zone or Coastal A-Zone on the Preliminary DFIRM map. The V-Zone determination must be used as soon as the Preliminary DFIRM maps are made available to the local jurisdiction. Please speak with local building officials regarding elevation requirements in your area, and be sure to tell them you are applying for program funds and need to meet FEMA HMGP requirements.

What is an Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) or Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?

The ABFE or BFE establishes the height, relative to the mean sea level, that has a one percent chance or greater of flooding in a given year as determined by FEMA and adopted by your local jurisdiction. An ABFE becomes a BFE once adopted by a municipality.

How high do I have to elevate?

You must elevate to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE), whichever is higher.

Note: All Elevation and Pilot Reconstruction projects must use the base flood elevations (BFE) established in the Preliminary DFIRM maps for any properties that are located in a coastal V-Zone or Coastal A-Zone on the Preliminary DFIRM map. The V-Zone determination must be used as soon as the Preliminary DFIRM maps are made available to the local jurisdiction. Please speak with local building officials regarding elevation requirements in your area, and be sure to tell them you are applying for HMGP funds and need to meet HMGP requirements.

What point is being measured for elevation?

There are different measuring points for a home’s elevation above the ABFE or BFE, depending upon whether that home is in an A-Zone or a V-Zone.*

• For homes in an A-Zone the Top of the Bottom Floor must be above the ABFE or BFE.
• For homes in a V-Zone, that measuring point is the Lowest Horizontal Member. That means horizontal floor beams (joists, or horizontal concrete supports in a slab elevation) underneath the subflooring must be above the required elevation level.*

Note: In a V-Zone the home must be elevated using this measuring point to the level set in the DFIRM map even if that map has not been adopted by the parish or community governing authority.

Am I required to move into my elevated home within twelve months?

There is an OCD-DRU HMGP requirement for a homeowner to reoccupy the property within 12 months of receiving an award payment. However, we can extend the timeline if the applicant demonstrates a reasonable effort to complete the mitigation activity and the work is completed prior to the end of the grant’s performance period.

How are HMGP Elevation Grants calculated?

HMGP is a reimbursement program, capped at a maximum of $100,000 per household. In order to avoid a duplication of benefits, HMGP elevation funds can only be used for eligible expenses that were not covered by other programs such as ICC and the Road Home Elevation Incentive Award. Therefore, duplication of benefits is not allowed.

Here is an example of an ELEVATION Grant calculation:

TPC (Total Project Cost) *	$98,699.60
Subtract money received from Road Home Elevation Incentive Award	-$30,000.00
Subtract money received from ICC	-$30,000.00
Subtract money received from the Small Business Administration (SBA)	-$10,000.00
TPC remaining after subtracting Road Home Elevation Incentive & ICC	$28,699.60
Total Potential HMGP Award **	$28,699.60

Note: The Midpoint Payment Award is capped at $14,349.80 (up to half of total potential amount)

      * Total Project Cost (TPC) is calculated by totaling all of the expenses associated with the Elevation project
           that are eligible for reimbursement per FEMA HMGP guidelines

      ** The OCD-DRU HMGP is a supplemental program with an award capped at $100,000.

How are HMGP Reconstruction Grants calculated?

Reconstruction means demolishing an existing home and constructing an improved, elevated home on the same site. Since it is a larger, more involved project than an elevation, there are more factors to be considered to avoid duplication of benefits. These include payments received from hazard insurance, flood insurance, FEMA Individual Assistance for home repair, and the Road Home Compensation Grant. All construction costs must be based on work and materials that meet required codes and standards.

HMGP awards for reconstruction are capped at a maximum of $100,000 per household and are intended to pay only for eligible expenses not covered by other programs.

Here is an example of a RECONSTRUCTION Grant calculation:

TPC (Total Project Cost) *	$364,000.00
Subtract money received from Hazard Insurance	-$3,000.00
Subtract money received from Flood Insurance	-$139,000.00
Subtract money received from FEMA IA (for home repair)	-$0.00
Subtract money received from Road Home Elevation Incentive	-$4,000.00
Subtract money received from Road Home Compensation Grant	-$126,030.00
Subtract money received from ICC	-$0.00
TPC remaining after subtracting other moneys received	$92,000.00
Total Potential HMGP Award (capped at a maximum of $100,000)	$92,000.00

NOTE: The Midpoint Payment Award is capped at $46,000.00 (up to half of total potential amount)

      * Total Project Cost (TPC) is calculated by totaling all of the expenses associated with the Reconstruction
           project that are eligible for reimbursement per FEMA HMGP guidelines

Can I appeal the amount of my OCD-DRU HMGP funding?

Yes. If you disagree with your award amount or eligibility for the program you may file an appeal. The appeal must be made in writing and submitted to:

                  Appeals Division
                  OCD-DRU HMGP
                  P.O. Box 5098
                  Baton Rouge LA 70821

The OCD-DRU HMGP award is based on your actual elevation construction costs, not to exceed $100,000. If you disagree with the awarded amount you may appeal. You may appeal your initial eligibility to receive an elevation grant from either program.

What kind of receipts do I need to keep for reimbursement?

In order to effectively document that eligible work was both performed and paid for, we require verification of payment (paid invoices, receipts, cancelled checks documenting work, contractor statement on company letter head certifying that an eligible expense was paid for if no other documentation is available). If a homeowner chooses to provide a bank statement that reflects the payment of an eligible expense, then that form of documentation is acceptable as well.

What if I paid with a credit card?

If you paid for the expense with a credit card, an invoice and the receipt for the credit card transaction is sufficient justification to document the transaction.

What do you mean by “duplication of benefits”?

Once you receive enough money to complete your project from program funds dedicated to such projects, no additional money can be granted. In other words, if your elevation cost $60,000 and you got $30,000 from ICC and $30,000 from the Road Home Elevation Incentive, you would have received the total amount needed to elevate, and any additional funds from HMGP would be a duplication of the benefits already received. Therefore, by law, you would not qualify for additional HMGP funding. However, if your elevation cost $70,000 and you got $30,000 from ICC and $30,000 from the Road Home Elevation Incentive, you would be potentially eligible for $10,000, the project cost not covered by the other programs.

For reconstruction determinations, benefits from other sources items such as Road Home Compensation, homeowner insurance structures claims, and NFIP Structure Settlements are deducted from total eligible project costs (NOTE: If homeowner can show documentation that the settlement or award was used for home repair before the home was demolished and reconstructed, funds will not be deducted from eligible costs). The amount of money a homeowner received from the Road Home Elevation Incentive program and ICC funds designated for elevation are also deducted from total eligible project costs since FEMA Reconstruction guidance requires that the new structure be built in compliance with the FEMA requirements for that area.

To clarify: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program looks at the actual cost of the elevation, reconstruction, or IMM and the resources used to pay said activity. This is to ensure that homeowners do not receive more money than it costs to elevate, reconstruct, or retrofit (IMM) their structure.

Who will verify and approve the elevation, reconstruction, or IMM payments? Will this require field inspections?

OCD reviews payment packages internally and submits to GOHSEP. GOHSEP conducts its review as Grantee and authorizes release of funding. Inspections are conducted by OCD and are a requirement prior to Midpoint and Final Payments.

Is the cost of third party assistance (management consultant, program expediter, etc.) reimbursable?

No, it is not.

What expenses are eligible?

Some of the work and/or items used in elevating or reconstructing your home might include the things listed in the following chart. All expenses that are cost-reasonable and are directly associated with the elevation or reconstruction activity may potentially be eligible for payment. OCD-DRU, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and FEMA use Unit Cost Guidance (UCG) in determining cost-reasonableness. Written approval is needed for any displacement costs associated with reconstructions and elevations. For IMMs, see the separate IMM Question & Answer section.

OCD-DRU HMGP Reimbursable Elevation Expenses

Note: This is not intended to be a comprehensive list. All expenses that are cost-reasonable and directly associated with the elevation or reconstruction activity may be eligible for reimbursement. Approval from FEMA and GOHSEP is required for costs outside of the items and actions listed below.

Retrofitting/Elevation of an Existing Structure     Protective measures for wetland/river/stream     Concrete & Block work; Masonry work     Drilling & Installation of Piers, Columns, or Piles     Beams and columns     Embedment and sealant     Foundation walls     Structural steel work     Bracing and anchoring     Lifting/Jacking/Elevating     Backfilling     Detachment & re-attachment (elements affixed to structure)     Sub-flooring     Wall and roof framing and shell construction     Exterior doors and windows, insulation     Hurricane clips/ties     Seismic retrofits to building code     Building code upgrades     Porches and decks (if pre-existing)     Stairs and railings     Handicap access     Plumbing rough-in (for supply and drain, waste and vent)     Electrical rough-in (main circuit panel, junction boxes, outlets)     Installation of ductwork for HVAC     Electrical service elevation & reconnection     Water service elevation & reconnection     Sewer/Septic system     Elevate mechanical equipment     Roof and Foundation drainage systems     Soil stabilization/retaining walls     Final clean-up

Engineering and Surveying Fees     Engineering/Design for proposed elevation     Surveying and site layout     Elevation certificate(s) Permitting/Recording/Legal Fees     Demolition permit     Building Permit(s)     Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Permits     Recording fees     Legal Fees     Hazardous materials abatement report/permit/fees     Covenant recordation Site Preparation     Structural demolition     Lot clearing     Debris removal and disposal     Hazardous materials removal/disposal     Excavation/Fill for grading Landscape Replacement/Restoration (for landscape disturbed by construction)     NOTE: This is considered on a case by case basis.     FEMA must approve these types of expenses in advance. Displacement Costs     Moving Cost     Temporary Storage Cost     Temporary living facility Cost

OCD-DRU HMGP Reimbursable Reconstruction Expenses

Note: This is not intended to be a comprehensive list. All expenses that are cost-reasonable and directly associated with the elevation or reconstruction activity may be eligible for reimbursement. Approval from FEMA and GOHSEP is required for costs outside of the items and actions listed below, and approval is needed for any displacement costs for with reconstructions.

Project Scoping     Property Verification (e.g., size of pre-existing structure)     Preliminary Elevation Determination     Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1     Engineering Feasibility Study (e.g., can existing         structure be elevated; is mitigation reconstruction         feasible)     Benefit-Cost Analysis     Title Search (e.g., ownership verification) Pre-Construction Activities     Site Survey (i.e., boundaries and elevation)     Testing for: Soils/Geotechnical, Asbestos,         Lead-Based Paint     Archeological Assessment Phase 1     Local, State & Federal Permitting (e.g., environmental,         historic, etc.)     Architectural/Engineering Design/Plans/Specifications Displacement Costs     Moving Cost     Temporary Storage Cost     Temporary living facility Cost Construction Activities     Permitted disposal of routine asbestos & household         hazardous waste incidental to demolition     Environmental/Historic Preservation Mitigation     Demolition/Removal (see also section 2.1.1 of Reconstruction         Guidance)     Erosion Control/Grading/Drainage     Utility Connections     Landscaping for Site Stabilization (i.e., seeding)     Walkways and Driveways     Elevated Foundation Construction     Inspection of Foundation System

Construction Activities (continued)     Structural Shell         Framing         Exterior Doors         Windows (includes protection)         Access/Egress         Exterior Cladding         Roofing     Interior Partitioning         Drywall         Trim         Painting         Interior Doors         Insulation     Utility Equipment         Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)         Water/Wastewater Plumbing         Electrical Panel and Wiring         Hot Water Heater     Fixtures         Sinks/Toilets/Showers         Lighting         Cabinets and Countertops     Flooring     Building Inspections     Certificate of Occupancy     Final Elevation Certificate     Owner Displacement Costs     Prepare and Record Flood Insurance Requirement         (after construction finalized)     Covenant recordation

Is installing an elevator a reimbursable expense?

If a homeowner has the proper medical documentation, the cost of an elevator and its installation maybe eligible for payment. The elevator must meet certain specifications, so contact your HMGP mitigation analyst as soon as possible when considering purchase or installation.

Note: This is a potentially eligible elevation or reconstruction expense; it is not allowable as an Individual Mitigation Measure.

Is a contract with the proposed elevation cost breakdown sufficient to document the scope of work for eligible cost reimbursement?

As long as the breakout is within the contract and includes a detailed listing of what activities will be performed for elevation, then the Scope of Work in the contract should be sufficient
Note: Subsequent invoices sent to the applicant should match the breakout in the contract (i.e., if the contract states: Draw 1: $13,00--Pilings, beam installation, etc., then the invoice for Draw 1 should reflect the same amount). If there are any change orders not listed in the original contract, the change order Scope of Work should be included in subsequent documentation.

Each project must be monitored for construction progress and compliance with HMGP regulations prior to disbursement of funds. Who will be overseeing the construction progress and compliance? Will they be internal state HMGP workers or outside consultants and subcontractors?

Each contractor is responsible for code and program compliance during construction. Local building officials permit and inspect the mitigation activity for code compliance. OCD inspects the property to document work in progress or work completed. FEMA and GOHSEP may inspect a property to verify compliance with program requirements. For Elevations, a Certificate of Occupancy or a statement from the local building inspection official that the elevation was completed to code is required.

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How do I get started? What should be my first step to get IMM or any HMGP funds?

Call OCD-DRU toll free at 1 877-824-8312. We’ll assist you fill to out the required Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA) and answer any additional questions you may have about the program.

What are the allowable Individual Mitigation measure (IMM)?

Approved IMM activities are:

• 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

How much can I receive for IMM?

The maximum you can receive for IMM is $7,500. That is a combined total for everything listed as an IMM. Costs per mitigation measure will be evaluated for cost reasonableness.

I already received the maximum $100,000 for elevation. Can I still get IMM money?

Yes, if you qualify and there is no duplication of benefits, you can potentially receive up to $7,500 for IMMs over and above the elevation or reconstruction up to $100,000.

Can I do more than one of the IMM activities on the list?

Yes, but keep receipts and records for each project separate. Clearly indicate to us when receipts are for multiple projects. Remember that regardless of how many IMMs you implement, you will only be reimbursed to a maximum of $7,500.

To receive an IMM award, do I have to participate in the Pilot Reconstruction or elevation program?

No, but you do need to meet the program eligibility criteria.

How do I know if I qualify?

To qualify for IMM reimbursement, you must:

• Be an eligible Road Home applicant who chose Option 1 – “Keep Your Home”.
• Still own the eligible home, or bought that home with an assignment of the Road Home rights.
• Have the structure cleared environmentally by FEMA before beginning any work.
• Agree to comply with all conditions and regulations set by OCD, FEMA, GOHSEP, including the OCD-DRU HMGP Covenant that require Flood Insurance to be carried for the life of the structure.

What do you mean when you say I have to be “Cleared by FEMA”?

FEMA reviews the property for cost effectiveness as well as historical and environmental issues. If no issues exist, the property is approved or "cleared" for the program. If there is an issue, the program works with the appropriate entity to resolve the issue so the property may be approved. Normally, work started before receiving FEMA clearance disqualifies the property from HMGP funding.

Does the March 16, 2008, date apply to IMM?

Yes, it does. Homeowners who began their mitigation measure by March 16, 2008, are not automatically disqualified or qualified, but still must obtain FEMA clearance and meet certain criteria to be deemed eligible.

• If you started work before or on March 16, 2008, whether you have finished you work or not, you should contact OCD-DRU to identify interest in participating in the program and make sure a FEMA review has been done or will be done. You must be on the FEMA "cleared" list to qualify for HMGP funds. Note: Homeowners who do not meet the criteria needed for FEMA clearance under the Limited Exception Wavier will be ineligible for OCD-DRU HMGP funds.
• If you have not started work, you should contact OCD-DRU to identify interest in participating in the program and make sure a FEMA review is completed first. NOTE: Homeowners who start work before receiving FEMA clearance will be ineligible for OCD-DRU HMGP funds.
• If you began work after March 16, 2008, please call OCD-DRU at 1-877-824-8312 to determine if and when your property received FEMA clearance. Note: If FEMA has not performed the necessary clearance process, you are currently ineligible for OCD-DRU HMGP funds.

Note: Recent legislation (Section 602 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) seeks to repeal the provision regarding the date of March 16, 2008. Pending clarification and a ruling from FEMA, the provision remains in place.

What if I have already completed these mitigation measures? Am I still eligible?

Yes, as long as you meet the program requirements, have submitted all necessary documentation, and either received FEMA clearance prior to your work commencing or you receive FEMA clearance.

Do I have to sign the HMGP award covenant?

Yes. The HMGP Covenant is required by FEMA. Everyone participating in the OCD-DRU HMGP programs must complete, sign and have notarized the OCD-DRU HMGP Covenant. The covenant will then be recorded in the parish where your property is located.

Will I have to maintain flood insurance on my property, even if I only get money for IMM?

Yes. FEMA requires flood insurance on any property that has received hazard mitigation funds.

For elevation and reconstruction, we've been told to use state licensed contractors in most instances. Is that true for IMM?

The OCD-DRU HMGP Covenant states that homeowners shall be responsible for ensuring Compliance with Louisiana Contractor Licensing Law and the Louisiana Home Improvement registration Act for mitigation work performed on their property. Additionally, all mitigation work must comply and adhere to more stringent local requirements, building codes, permitting, ordinances, standards, etc (where applicable). Homeowners can obtain copies of these documents at the following websites:

http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/pdf_files/865555_ConLawTxt.pdf

http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/03RS/CVT4/OUT/0000KTIZ.PDF

OCD-DRU HMGP encourages homeowners to hire qualified, experienced and reliable companies to perform the mitigation work. Please contact your local permitting office and/or the State Licensing Board to verify any local and/or State requirements prior to undertaking your mitigation measure.

What if I paid with a credit card?

If you paid for the expense with a credit card, an invoice and the receipt for the credit card transaction is sufficient justification to document the transaction.

What do you mean by “Duplication of benefits”?

Once you receive enough money to complete your project from program funds dedicated for a common purpose, no additional money can be granted. In other words, if the cost of your mitigation measure was covered by other governmental programs, HMGP will not reimburse you a second time.

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