Flood grants and funding for house elevation
Public programs can pay for part or most of an elevation. Here is how they work, in plain words.
The programs in plain words
| Program | Run by | When it is available | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMGP (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program) | FEMA, through the state and your local government | After a presidential major disaster declaration | Local governments apply on behalf of homeowners; projects are selected and funded in rounds |
| FMA (Flood Mitigation Assistance) | FEMA, through the state and your local government | Yearly funding cycle | For properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program; repeat flood losses can raise the share covered |
| CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT | HUD, run in Texas by the General Land Office and local governments | After major disasters, when Congress funds it | Recovery and mitigation money with income and location rules |
| ICC (Increased Cost of Compliance) | Your NFIP flood insurance policy | After a flood when the home is declared substantially damaged | Can help pay to elevate, up to the policy limit |
How a grant-funded elevation usually works
Register interest
Contact your city or county floodplain or mitigation office and ask about open programs.
Eligibility and application
The local government checks your property, flood history and insurance, and includes eligible homes in its application.
Award
If the project is funded, you sign an agreement with the local government that sets the rules, cost share and timeline.
Contractor and construction
The program's rules decide how the contractor is chosen and paid. Construction follows the approved scope.
Close-out
Final inspection, elevation certificate and program sign-off.
Already approved?
If you have a grant award and need a contractor, call us on 281-326-9719. We will look at your program's requirements and tell you honestly whether we can take the job under its rules.
Official sources
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs (fema.gov)
- Texas Division of Emergency Management, hazard mitigation (tdem.texas.gov)
- Texas General Land Office, community development and revitalization (recovery.texas.gov)
- Your city or county floodplain management office
Questions we get asked
Can I get a grant to elevate my house?
Possibly. Grants are awarded through your city or county when programs are open, and depend on your flood history, insurance and location.
Do I apply to FEMA directly?
Usually not. For HMGP and FMA, the local government applies on behalf of homeowners.
How long do grant-funded projects take?
Often a year or more from application to construction, because funding is awarded in rounds.
Tell us about your project
Sam or the team will call you back within 1 business day to talk it through and book a site visit.
281-326-9719