AMITE, LA (AP) — The Tangipahoa Parish Council has approved three resolutions that will give residents living in flood-prone areas an opportunity to share in nearly $1.5 million available to raise houses.
The Advocate’s Vic Couvillion reports the funds come from three grants: $341,880 through FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program for private properties damaged by repetitive floods; $993,590 through FEMA's Hurricane Isaac Flood Mitigation Assistance program for private properties that repeatedly flood; and $150,000 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for homeowners whose incomes are low to moderate.
Recipients of these grants must provide a 25 percent match in order to be able to receive grant funds to elevate their houses.
Melissa Cowart, an accountant in the Parish President's Office, said she does not know how many property owners will be eligible, but noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will determine through surveys of low-lying areas and other sources what properties are eligible.
