In the November 2015 update, the City of Houston 2015 FMA Elevation Project-SRL/RL Properties Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program application was “Identified for Further Review” by FEMA. This is the home elevation grant opportunity that the City and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) applied for on behalf of interested property owners in August 2015. The Flood Mitigation Assistance FY 2015 Sub-application Status is online at https://www.fema.gov/flood-mitigation-assistance-fy-2015-subapplication-status.
This means that the City’s application may be funded by FEMA pending favorable completion of environmental and historical, tribal, programmatic, and financial reviews of each property. Once all of the reviews are complete and funding is made available, FEMA will award the sub-grant to Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
Although FEMA originally indicated that the tentative date for award would be December 31, 2015, as of the date of this update, awards for FMA have not yet been made by FEMA. No new award date has been announced by FEMA. Delays in the award will result in delays in the start of elevation projects.
In order to continue to be eligible for this award, homeowners must continue to maintain flood insurance. Applicants identified as candidates and alternates are asked to keep their contact information up to date with the City of Houston Floodplain Management Office so that they can receive updated information and announcements about the City’s FMA grant program. The City of Houston intends to provide future updates on the grant as we receive updated information. Please contact FMO with questions at fmo@houstontx.gov or 832.394.8854.