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Nearly $6M in mitigation grants help communities across La.

Posted at 2:32 PM, Nov 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-13 15:32:52-05

Communities across Louisiana will receive nearly $6 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to assist 46 properties damaged by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The HMGP provides financial assistance to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage from future disasters, properties that have been identified with a high frequency of losses or a high value of claims. Many properties are located in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Government agencies and residents in these areas will benefit from the HMGP:

· More than $1.8 million will fund the demolition of 14 residential properties located in Bossier Parish. This includes one reconstruction project.
· More than $1.2 million will cover the cost to demolish eight homes in Lafayette Parish. This grant will fund properties as a part of the voluntary buyout program to remove homes out of harm’s way.
· The City of West Monroe Government will receive nearly $2.9 million to remove 24 damaged homes from repetitive flooded areas. The grant will fund structure demolitions through the voluntary buyout program.

The HMGP helps communities with hazard mitigation measures following a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in disaster areas. Mitigation measures reduce the risk of loss of lives and properties from future disasters. Eligible applicants include states, tribal governments, territories and local communities. Applicants must have a FEMA approved mitigation plan to be eligible for the program.

The state of Louisiana is responsible for determining which projects are funded and must have a FEMA approved plan in place to be eligible for any HMPG funding. HMGP is one of three mitigation programs.

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