Ocracoke homeowners may qualify for FEMA funding to elevate their homes. The the United Methodist Church parsonage on Howard Street is an example of how homes are raised. Photo: C. Leinbach

From Hyde County, Jan. 15, 2020

Hyde County has received notice of the availability of FEMA grant funds for the elevation of homes in Hyde County under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Hurricane Dorian, DR-4465.

This program provides 100% funding to reduce or eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings and structures. If your home is your primary residence, you agree to carry flood insurance after the elevation and your home is structurally capable of elevating you may qualify. Flood insurance coverage prior to applying is not required to submit an application.

But first, you need to submit a “common application” to Hyde County, which accepts these applications from property owners for assistance with housing needs at any time.

However, applications for the HMGP program must be received by the close of business on Friday, Jan. 24.

This common application enables county staff to match the needs of property owners with resources that may come available through state and federal grant opportunities when they become available, including but not limited to HMGP funds. Assistance typically comes in the form of elevations, reconstructions and acquisitions.

In the wake of Hurricane Dorian Sept. 6 and in anticipation of this notice from FEMA and other grant funds, Hyde County on Sept. 30 began accepting common housing applications from individuals with housing damage.

Teresa Adams, the Hyde County Ocracoke liaison, began taking these common applications in the N.C. Emergency Management Joint Resource Center that was set up in the Ocracoke Variety Store parking lot in October and November.

Rosemary Johnson, Hyde County planning assistant, also accepts housing applications at the Government Center in Swan Quarter at any time.

Completion and submittal of a common application to Mrs. Adams or Mrs. Johnson qualified you to be considered for funding under this notice of funding availability for HMGP funds and all other funding opportunities afforded to Hyde County.  The application be used by county staff to continue to identify and work with property owners to assist them with searching for available resources to meet their individual needs moving forward.

All property owners, including residents, off-island property owners and business owners, desiring assistance should submit a Hyde County common application. 

This application does not promise funding, but rather gives the county a tool to apply for funding and match individual property owner needs with grant funds for which they may be eligible.

If you would like to verify that you have an application on file for consideration or would like to file an application, please contact Rosemary Johnson at 252-926-4178 or rjohnson@hydecountync.gov. She is happy to answer questions about the program in general or your individual status as an applicant.

You can also visit Teresa Adams during her office hours from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday in the Ocracoke Community Center office to fill out an application.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to either of these staffers for assistance.

Hyde County will submit applications to the state of North Carolina and FEMA for review and evaluation. Submission of an application is no guarantee of funding. 

 

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