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R E C O N S T R U C T I O N

The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide up to $100,000 (based on actual construction costs) to eligible homeowners for expenses incurred in reconstructing their homes to meet the Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) or to meet the adopted Base Flood Elevation (BFE) if no ABFE exists – OR in a V-Zone to the elevation requirement set in the DFIRM map even if that map has not been adopted by the parish or community governing authority. Homeowner eligibility and eligible expenses are determined by FEMA based on HMGP regulations.

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

Reconstructing a Home

Reconstruction means demolishing and rebuilding a structure in compliance with the FEMA HMGP required height and construction method. Local jurisdictions may require stricter elevation standards than those issued by FEMA. For detailed information on FEMA requirements for reconstructions, speak to an OCD-DRU Program Analyst and request a copy of the publication "HMGP Reconstruction Grant Pilot." Note: On December 11th, 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, but the overall cap of $100,000 remains.

Note: On December 11th, 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, but the overall cap of $100,000 remains.

Award Amount

Eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 based on documentation of actual reconstruction costs.
  • Homeowners are eligible for a mid-point payment once half of the construction work has been completed (new elevated home is framed out)
  • The balance will be paid upon completion of work and approval of required documentation.

Duplication of Benefits (DOB)

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.

Reconstructions are different from elevations and as such have different DOB deductions. For reconstruction determinations, items such as Road Home Compensation Grants, 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 award calculations) 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 the new structure be built in compliance with the FEMA HMGP required height for that area.

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 to speak to a program analyst and/or receive a Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA).


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All Content © 2010 OCD / DRU Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
OCD-DRU HMGP is a federally-funded program. Providing false or misleading information in an attempt to fraudulently obtain HMGP funds is a federal violation and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code states that a person is guilty of a felony for knowingly and willingly making false or fraudulent statements to any department of the United States Government. Because HMGP is a federally funded program, applicants to the HMGP program are subject to Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code.

The Office of Community Development Disaster Recovery Unit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability, and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation, including auxiliary aids and services, to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities.

Any persons requiring special needs assistance should contact the Call Center at 1-877-824-8312 at least five business days prior to any scheduled meeting. The TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-846-5277. Additional information regarding the use of the Louisiana Relay service can be found at the following link: http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/states/la_howto.htm.