Hurricane season is upon us, and many residents in flood-prone areas will be keeping an anxious eye on the weather throughout the summer.

In Pasco County, there is some relief for those looking to mitigate potential flooding to their homes. Emergency management is encouraging residents to take advantage of a program that will cover a portion of that cost.

The funding is available through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program, which could cover 75% of the cost to elevate a home above base flood elevation.

“Ultimately, we want people to be able to stay in their homes and still reduce the risk of flooding,” said Nolan Ristau, the county’s Mitigation and Planning Manager.

Over the past three years, Ristau said the county has helped ten homeowners secure the funding, for $1 million dollars.

Donna Moore of New Port Richey is hoping to be one of the next homeowners to receive the funds. Her home is in the Green Key area, which is known for repeated flooding. She filled out the application for the program and says if the funding isn’t granted, she will probably have to move.

“It just doesn’t pay to stay,” Moore said. 

Ristau said the average cost of raising a home can range from $200,000 to $275,000. For more information on how you can apply for the flood mitigation assistance, visit the county’s website. 

https://www.pascocountyfl.net/1021/Property-Owners-Financial-Resources