Title
NEW ITEM: Voluntary Buyout and Retrofit Grant Program for Victims of Tropical Storm Helene
Action
1) Approve the concept of a Voluntary Buyout and retroFIT Grant Program for Floodplain Structures that sustained flood damage from Tropical Storm Helene on September 25 and thereafter;
2) Adopt the Resolution for establishing the Eligibility Criteria, Program Guidelines, Buyout Processes, and Retrofit Grant Processes
Staff Contact: David Kroening LUESA, Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
During Tropical Storm Helene, which occurred in the days prior to September 25, 2024, areas of the Catawba river basin received up to 20 inches of rain. Floodwater on Mountain Island Lake (MIL) and river levels directly downstream of the MIL dam exceeded the mapped ‘100-year’ floodplain. About 170 homes/dwellings were impacted by floodwaters. Staff estimate there are approximately 46 homes that are “substantially damaged” and therefore can’t be repaired back to pre-flood condition. Mitigating during the recovery process is the most effective way to reduce future flood damage.
In four major flooding events (July 2003, September 2008, September 2011 and June 2019), the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) previously authorized Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (MCSWS) to utilize Storm Water available revenue to implement “Quick Buy” programs. The concept was to voluntarily acquire flood prone homes before substantial repairs began. The Quick Buy program has proven effective in not only reducing future flood losses, but also providing the property owners an option to consider during the recovery.
Currently, the Storm Water Capital Fund has appropriated yet un-obligated funds in excess of $14M for flood mitigation. Storm water intends to allocate $8.5M of these fund to the program described in the Resolution. Based upon damage assessments and initial feedback from residents, staff developed guidelines for a voluntary buyout and retroFIT grant program as described in the attached Resolution. Approximately 40-50 homes could be considered for voluntary buyout, or retroFIT grant to mitigate their home as part of the repair process.
MCSWS expects voluntary buyouts to occur within 1-6 months, and retroFIT grant projects to elevate or demolish homes could take 12-24 months. Eligible retroFIT grants could be submitted to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) for approval as early as the November 21st meeting. Consistent with NCGS 153A-274.1 and the retroFIT Program Policy document adopted by the Board in August 2015, the SWAC has the authority to review and approve retroFIT grant applications.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
No additional Stormwater or County funds required.