News from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
February 20, 2008
Volume 38, Number 72

Contact: Michael Powell, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, phone: (302) 739-9921 or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902 

Flood Protection Grants Available Through FEMA; DNREC Provides Assistance to Property Owners and Communities Seeking Grants

DOVER, Del. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has implemented the Severe Repetitive Loss Program available to property owners who have submitted multiple large claims on their flood insurance. DNREC’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation will serve as the point of contact for applicants and assist FEMA and communities in determining the specific flood risk at properties and in developing projects that meet the program’s criteria.

In the next few weeks, property owners in Delaware whose properties qualify under the program will receive a letter from FEMA informing them of their status as a Severe Repetitive Loss property and describing grants which are available to reduce or eliminate flood losses. Examples of eligible projects for these grants include the acquisition or relocation of at-risk structures and conversion of the property to open space and the elevation of existing structures.

Grants to implement flood reduction projects will be administered through county or municipal government agencies in which the properties are located. Unlike other FEMA grant programs, failure to participate in these projects has the potential to result in increased flood insurance premiums.

Deadline for application for this year’s funds is April 30, 2008.

Available funds are anticipated for future years.

For more information, contact Michael Powell, Division of Soil and Water Conservation at (302) 739-9921.