East River Flood Mitigation Grant

Requirements

• Applicants must submit a completed application packet, including “before” photos, prior to any work being completed to be considered for a Flood Mitigation Grant. 
• Applicants outside of Qualified Census Tract will need to provide proof of income for verification.

2023 Adjusted Home Income Limits

• The Flood Mitigation Grant Program is a reimbursement grant. The applicant is required to pay all expenses related to their approved project. Once project is completed applicant must submit for reimbursement a completed Final Reimbursement Worksheet along with all paid receipts and after photos. 
  **At the discretion of the Program Coordinator, payment directly to professional contractors from the City may be applicable to a participant with low to moderate income. 
• Owners agree to obtain all necessary approvals and permits at owners’ expense, if needed 
• All work must meet local, state, and national standards and regulations. 
  **Only professional labor can be claimed for reimbursement. No reimbursement will be given for tools such as ladders, nail guns etc.

Eligible Grant Projects & Expenditures 

Home Improvement Actions for Flood Mitigation Grant Assistance 

• Elevating a water heater or furnace or boiler to avoid future flood damage¹. 
• Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage². 
• Elevating the main structure at least 2 foot above base flood elevation. 
• Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure. 
• Install floor vents in foundation walls, garages, crawl spaces, and other enclosed areas. They reduce flood damage by allowing water to flow through and drain out.
• Install gutters and/or guards to keep gutters and downspouts free from leaves and debris to avoid water accumulation. 
• Professionally installed backflow valve on your sewer system to prevent water from backing up into the drains of your home. 
• Waterproof veneer to exterior walls to prevent shallow flooding from damaging your home. Sealing basement walls with waterproofing compounds. 
• Landscaping changes to improve runoff. This may include building up any sunken areas around the foundation and improving the yard, so it slopes away from your home. 
• Retain and create natural green space around your home to help reduce runoff. Rain gardens or permeable pavement (driveways, sidewalks, patios) which allow rain and snowmelt to seep through the surface to underlying layers of soil and gravel. 

FEMA Guidelines/References:

¹ Furnace and Water Heater Mitigation Measures 

• Elevating a furnace or water heater above the floor may help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. 
• FEMA recommends elevating a damaged or destroyed furnace or water heater on a framed platform. 
• Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check with their local utility company to find out whether any requirements would limit elevation of these items. 
• For more information on techniques for elevating a furnace or water heater to reduce the risk of future flood damage, please refer to FEMA Publication 312, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting 3rd Edition (2014), Chapter 9, Protecting Service Equipment. 

² Main Electrical Panel Mitigation Measures 

• Elevating or relocating electrical panels may help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. 
• Utility company requirements and the National Electrical Code place limits on where electrical service equipment can be located. Before elevating an electrical panel, homeowners should check with their local utility company to find out if any requirements would limit elevation or relocation of an electrical panel. 
• For more information on relocating electrical systems, please refer to FEMA Publication 312, Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting 3rd Edition (2014), Chapter 9, Protecting Service Equipment. 

Sources:

• https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/flooding/ 
• https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-before 
• https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/hazard-mitigation-under-individuals-and-households-program  

Apply

1. All applicants must submit a complete application to be considered for the Flood Mitigation Grant. A complete application includes: 
   • A completed Flood Mitigation Application (PDF). This form must include an itemized description of the proposed project and an estimated cost for each item. Any item not listed will not be considered for reimbursement. If the project is being completed by a contractor, a signed copy of their estimate to complete the work must be attached. 
   • ”Before” photos of the proposed project. Application will not be considered if “before” photos are not submitted. 
   • A completed W-9 (PDF). A W-9 from must be submitted to be eligible for the program. This is required to process reimbursement requests. 
2. Once the application is considered complete, the Program Coordinator will review the application to ensure that the proposed project(s) are eligible. 
3. If the application meets program requirements, the Program Coordinator will determine the amount of award based on the estimated cost, grant caps and required match funds. 
4. An Award letter will be sent to the applicant informing them that their application has been approved and indicating the estimated amount to be awarded. The applicant has twelve (12) month to complete the project(s). 
5. Completed applications should be submitted to: 
   Department of Community and Economic Development 
   Ronda Bitney, Real Estate Specialist 
   100 N. Jefferson Street, Room 608 
   Green Bay, WI 54301 
   OR 
   Email to: ronda.bitney@greenbaywi.gov

Apply for Reimbursement 

1. A completed Final Reimbursement Worksheet (PDF) 
2. Copies of receipts/paid invoices showing proof of purchase of the approved/completed items/materials for the project. The applicant is required to mark on their receipts which item(s) is/are being requested for reimbursement. 
3. Final photo documentation of the completed project.