Looking to fight the flood?

Read on below for other mitigation options for private and public landowners to consider.

STRUCTURE ELEVATION

Structure elevation is the physical raising and/or retrofitting of an existing structure. Elevation may be achieved through a variety of methods, including elevating on continuous foundation walls; elevating on open foundations, such as piles, piers, posts or columns; elevating on fill; and second-story conversion. This type of project is eligible for funding through FEMA’s Hazards Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Program and Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) staff can assist residents in developing an application to submit.

MITIGATION RECONSTRUCTION

Mitigation reconstruction is the construction of an improved, elevated structure that conforms to the latest building codes on the same site where an existing structure and/or foundation has been partially or completely demolished or destroyed. This type of project is eligible for funding through FEMA’s HMA Program and MPPDC staff can assist residents in developing an application to submit.

FLOODPROOFING

Dry floodproofing techniques are applied to keep structures dry by sealing the structure to keep floodwaters out. Dry floodproofing projects are eligible for non-residential and historic residential structures under all HMA programs. Wet floodproofing consists of the use of flood-damage-resistant materials and construction techniques to minimize flood damage to areas below the flood protection level of a non-residential structure, which is intentionally allowed to flood. Wet floodproofing projects are eligible for non-residential structures under all HMA programs. Floodproofing may also include retrofitting. MPPDC staff can assist residents in developing an application to submit to the appropriate entity (ie. FEMA or Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)).

LAND DONATION

Donating land in the floodplain to a public or non-profit organization can become a community asset. The donated land may provide water supply protection, flood control, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, etc.), carbon sequestration, dilution of wastewater, and erosion control. Also, there may be benefits to the land donor. For example, if the land is donated to a public entity there may be deductions in your Federal and Virginia state income taxes. For more information visit: Support the Coastal Wilds - Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (vacoastalwilds.com). To discuss donating your property please contact Lewis Lawrence at the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority at 804-758-2311.