Houma Thibodaux News

Terrebonne Parish is inviting applications for a program aimed at elevating or reconstructing homes that suffered significant damage during Hurricane Francine or have experienced repeated flooding. This initiative is part of the Swift Current Grant Program, which receives funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program seeks to accelerate a $40 million flood risk reduction effort in Louisiana.

The available activities under this grant include elevation, demolition and reconstruction, and project scoping. For individual residences, the cost share ranges from 0-25% of the total project cost, covering construction, management, and administration. The exact cost to applicants depends on their specific circumstances.

"Due to the funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," certain structures in socially vulnerable communities "may receive the 90% federal funding option." These structures must demonstrate a vulnerability average greater than .51 across various socioeconomic categories as defined by an interactive map provided by atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/svi-interactive-map.html.

Eligibility for this grant requires that all applicants had flood insurance coverage as of November 16, 2024. Continued flood insurance will be mandatory for elevated or reconstructed structures.

Applications must be submitted by January 3rd. Residents can call 985-873-6565 or 504-828-0030, or email mcook@bbecllc.com for more information or to request an application packet.

The grant is competitive on a statewide level and does not offer immediate housing solutions. Additionally, reconstruction projects are not permitted in V zones, identified as areas with the highest flood risk.

Mailers will be sent by parish consultants to owners of known substantially damaged structures and NFIP policyholders residing in socially vulnerable areas.