21 Flooded Homes To Be Elevated With $793,050 Mitigation Grant 

Release Date: January 6, 2000
Release Number: 1292-155

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RALEIGH, N.C. -- Twenty-one Dare County homes that were flooded during Hurricane Bonnie will be elevated above the 100-year flood plain in a cooperative effort between Dare County, the State of North Carolina and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $793,050 cost of the project is funded 75 % by FEMA ($594,788) and 25 % by the State of North Carolina ($198,262).

The 21 properties have a long history of flooding and have been affected by eight hurricanes since Hurricane Hazel in 1954. In order to be above the 100-year flood plain level, some of these homes will be raised as high as five feet above their present foundations. This will greatly reduce the possibility of future flooding and damages.

"The need to move homes and businesses out of harm's way is a valuable lesson that we have learned from hurricane-fueled flooding in recent years," Gov Jim Hunt said. "It is critical that we preclude the chance of future damage to lives and property, and this project in Dare County will continue our progress toward that goal."

This elevation project is made possible because of FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Grants under this program go to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration.

Glen Woodard, Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Bonnie's disaster declaration in 1998, lauded the cooperation that made this project possible. "This is a major effort in reducing future losses from flooding and stands as a shining example of what can be done when we cooperate. We are glad to help in this effort. Everyone is a winner," he added.

North Carolina Emergency Management Division officials stressed that the project will also reduce future outlays from insurance claims and disaster assistance. Structures in the project area have suffered repeated damage and recent flood studies indicate a high potential for future flooding.

Dare County is a participant in good standing in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a factor that made this grant project possible.

Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Dec-2003 12:30:46