20 homes in Carolina Beach to receive FEMA assistance for home elevation
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Over the next few years, 20 homes in Carolina Beach located in flood prone areas will be elevated to reduce the risk of future damage.
Homeowners will receive government assistance for the project with FEMA covering about 20% of the elevation costs, while homeowners are responsible for the remaining 80%.
Each eligible homeowner was notified in the mail and had to apply for assistance from the program.
The town said all of the properties selected have experienced repeated flooding in recent years.
The homes will be raised two feet above the base flood elevation.
Jeremy Hardison with the town of Carolina Beach said many of the homes were built before flood zones were mapped.
“Our first flood map was in 1975. So prior to that, there wasn’t any guide or anyone saying ‘hey, this is what you should build to,” he explained. “Those are the homes we are focusing on to try and bring them up to code.”
Hardison noted homeowners are awarded FEMA assistance each year. He encourages those living in flood zones who meet the program’s criteria to consider applying for next year’s grant cycle.
As for the homeowners who are waiting now, Hardison said the town is waiting to hear back from FEMA.
“They’re reviewing the applications now. Making sure that everything they need is there. We’re hoping to hear something pretty soon,” he said.
The project is currently taking public comments until May 3. You can send questions, comments, or concerns to haley.anderson@carolinabeach.org
