Federal Grants for Residential Flood Protection

Everyone in the United States lives in a flood zone, according to the National Flood Insurance Program's Flood Smart website. Floods happen in every state across the country, and even one inch of water can cause damage to homes. In fact, in the decade between 1994 and 2004, average losses from flood damage totaled more than $2.4 billion each year. Despite these sobering facts, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Fortunately, the federal government offers several grant programs that assist with residential flood protection.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

• The Federal Emergency Management Administration, or FEMA, offers grants through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. The purpose of the program is to fund "measures that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program," according to grant guidelines. Eligible projects include preventive measures to decrease losses from floods, such as acquisition or relocation of residences, elevation of structures or local flood-control projects. Structures that have experienced more than two losses within a 10-year period receive preference. Funds can be used for planning, project implementation or management costs. State governments, U.S. territories and Native American tribal governments are eligible to apply.

  Federal Emergency Management Agency

  1800 South Bell St.

  Arlington, VA 20595

  202-646-3428

  fema.gov

Federal Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households

• FEMA offers grants through the Federal Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households in Presidential Declared Disaster Areas program. According to grant guidelines, the program provides "financial assistance and, if necessary, direct services to eligible individuals and households who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and serious needs and are unable to meet such expenses or needs through other means." Funds can be used for temporary housing costs, home repair, home replacement, construction costs and flood-related expenses, including medical, dental, funeral, moving and storage costs. To be eligible for a grant, the damage must not be covered under insurance; your home must be in a Presidentially-declared disaster area; you must be a U.S. citizen, national or qualified alien; and the damaged home is your primary residence.

  Federal Emergency Management Agency

  245 Murray Lane

  Building 410

  Washington, DC 20523

  202-646-3943.

  fema.gov

Repetitive Flood Claims Program

• FEMA's Repetitive Flood Claims Program offers up to $10 million in grant funding to states, U.S. territories and tribal governments each year. The purpose of the program is to provide "funds to assist States and communities reduce flood damages to insured properties that have had one or more claims to the National Flood Insurance Program," according to grant guidelines. Eligible activities include flood damage mitigation projects, such as property acquisition, structure repair, demolition, elevation or relocation, and management costs. Retrofit and repair projects can include "modifications to the structural elements of a building to reduce or eliminate the risk of future damage and to protect inhabitants" such as foundations, structural floors and roofs, according to grant guidelines.

  Federal Emergency Management Agency

  500 C St. SW

  Washington, DC 20472

  866-222-3580

  fema.gov