Fairfield to Host Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Session

[Editor's note: The following information was provided in a press release.]

Fairfield will hold an information session regarding the Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room (501 Kings Highway East, second floor). 

Town officials and representatives from the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will make a presentation followed by a question and answer session.

"I encourage residents to attend this important session to learn more about this grant program," First Selectman Michael Tetreau said. "The session gives our residents the opportunity to ask questions about potential eligibility and to receive information that is required to submit an application to the Town.”

In August, Tetreau announced the availability of the flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, to assist homeowners with the cost of elevating their homes above the base flood elevation to reduce future flood losses.  

This program is for primary residences and allows homeowners to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures to help reduce the risk of future flood damage and loss of property. The program is for prospective home elevations only and cannot be used retroactively. The grant program has limited funding and awards will be made on a competitive basis. 

A successful grant will reimburse up to 75 percent of the cost of elevation. This is a reimbursement program so the homeowner must fund the up-front cost and work cannot begin until a grant is awarded.

Homes must be elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation. Homeowners must provide three written price quotes and a current elevation certificate. Due to the timing of the grant program, cost estimates should be based on work to be done one year out. The grant will not cover actual costs that exceed estimates.

Under the program, the town is the applicant on behalf of the property owner.  However, the town and homeowner will enter into a written agreement with respect to the terms and conditions of the grant. Interested property owners must submit all required materials before Friday, October 18. 

Please contact Plan and Zoning Assistant Director Jim Wendt at either (203)-256-3050 or jwendt@town.fairfield.ct.us to indicate your interest in the program or to ask questions regarding the Sept. 12 information session.