The Federal Emergency Manage Agency will hold a public forum at Long Beach City Hall on Wednesday.
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The forum, scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m., will consist of FEMA representatives offering an overview of the agency’s programs in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The presentation will be followed by a session when residents can asked questions and express their concerns.
“The purpose of the forum is to present as much timely and relevant information to homeowners regarding various FEMA programs’ requirements so that residents can make informed decisions on how best to rebuild for the future,” said City Manager Jack Schnirman when he announced the form at the City Council meeting Feb. 5.
Among FEMA’s programs are Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) and Hazard Mitigation.
ICC
ICC coverage under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is one of several resources for flood insurance policyholders, Schnirman said. Under ICC, FEMA offers $30,000 for homeowners to help cover the costs of mitigation measures that will reduce flood risk, including raising the height of houses that the agency mandates for new buildings or rebuilding in designated flood zones such as Long Beach.
Schnirman reported that the city has completed more than 400 inspections and that FEMA crews are in the city to inspect another 3,000 homes in the West End, the Walks, the Canals and other neighborhoods. He also noted that the building department has issued 281 permits to residents to raise and rebuild their homes.
“Extra personnel have been brought on to help streamline the process and get everyone back in their homes as soon as possible,” he said.
Hazard Mitigation
The city has already expressed to the state’s Office of Emergency Management a strong interest in FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program, Schnirman said. If awarded the program, the city will be able to financially assist residents through the spring to help mitigation properties from future flood damage.
“We are asking money for the Hazard Mitigation Program,” Schnirman said.
The city manager noted that if resident wish to be placed on a waiting list for this program, they should call the building department at 516-431-1005. Several hundreds residents have already signed up for the program, he added.
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