Award Process
Qualified applicants will receive professional technical assistance throughout the grant application process. The RetroFIT Program consists of three phases – the Application Phase, Review and Assistance Phase, and Approval and Implementation Phase.
As part of the
Application Phase, and throughout the year, CMSWS will reach out to floodplain property owners to increase awareness about the program. Property owners will be able to choose the floodproofing improvement(s) they hope to make as part of an Owner Interest Application. CMSWS will offer assistance to owners if they need help determining which of the flood damage reduction techniques would be effective in reducing future damage.
The
Review and Assistance Phase will allow CMSWS to provide owners technical assistance and determine if the proposed project is viable. CMSWS will also determine whether improving the storm water system is not practically feasible or cost effective, and the improvements to private property are the minimum necessary to accomplish the storm water benefit. After CMSWS works with the owner and determines the project is viable, the owner will be required to submit formal Grant Application.
The
Approval and Implementation Phase will include the selection of projects for funding, approval by the
Storm Water Advisory Committee, and the execution of a contract between the owner and the County allowing the mitigation project to be successfully implemented by the property owner.
Contact
Email any additional questions to
FloodInfo@MeckNC.gov and put retroFIT in the subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Floodproofing is making modifications to a house/building that will reduce flood damage. Floodproofing projects can reduce post-flood expenses, speed up recovery, and potentially reduce flood insurance rates. However they do NOT prevent flooding nor completely eliminate flood damage.
RetroFIT grants are currently only available to property owners with a habitable building in the mapped floodplain. It’s aimed to reduce flood damage to homes and business that are not in full compliance with the floodplain regulations.
In most cases, flood reduction projects along larger creeks (mapped as floodplains) are not feasible or cost effective. Flooding occurs naturally in these areas where many older homes and businesses are located. In cases where floodplain buyouts are not imminent, the County is assisting owners in making their building more “fit” to resist flood damage.
If funded, grants will be available at least once per year. The annual application period will typically occur around July-September. If all the funding is not committed after the initial application period, grants may continue to be offered during the year on a first come first serve basis.
There are 7 types of projects allowed under the retroFIT program. Allowed expenses vary by the type of project and will be specified prior to award. Generally the grant will only fund work that is the minimum necessary to successfully complete the floodproofing work. Owners may fund other upgrades or aesthetic improvements on their own. RetroFIT will NOT fund any projects that remedy improvements completed in violation of the floodplain regulations.
Every grant requires a property owner cost share ranging from 5% to 25% of the grant amount. The share varies based upon 1) the tax value of your property, and 2) the owners’ enrollment in the County Tax Assessor Low Income Homestead Exclusion or the Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion programs. In addition to a financial contribution, the applicant/owner is responsible for hiring the contractor to complete the work.
In most cases, no. The County can NOT make any payments for portions of work that is not complete, or for deposits/advances to a contractor. In those cases, you will need to pay up front. The County can make joint check payments (written to you and your contractor) after the entire project is complete or at substantial milestones that can be visually verified.
Unlike other home improvements, finding funding for floodproofing projects is challenging. Here are options to pursue:
- Cash savings
- Home equity line of credit or loan
- HUD 203K loan program (floodproofing is eligible)
- Flood insurance "ICC" coverage if your building has been substantially damaged by a flood
Each person’s tax situation will vary. Because the grant is a “benefit”, property owners will receive a 1099-G from the County for any grant funds received. We recommend you consult a tax advisor prior to accepting the grant.
Timeframe for approval will vary from an average of 45-120 days. It will depend on the complexity of the project and responsiveness of the applicant/owner. All retroFIT grants must be approved by the Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) which meets the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Upon approval, the owner is required to sign a grant agreement with the terms and project requirements. In addition the owner will sign a flood mitigation easement to ensure the floodproofing work will not be altered/removed.
Yes. If the grant is less than $2,300 OR the property is sold more than 5 years after completion, there is no impact. If the grant is more than $2,300 AND the property is sold within 5 years of completion, the owner is required to reimburse the County based upon the value appreciation since the grant up to the grant amount.
No. Legislation creating the retroFIT program does not allow for retroactive reimbursements for expenses incurred prior to grant deadline and award.