RECOMMENDATION: Adopt an ordinance approving and authorizing a Third Amendment to extend the agreement between the City of Houston and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the 2018 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program for acquisition of four (4) flood-prone homes.
EXPLANATION: The FMA grant program makes funds available nationwide for the mitigation of flood risk to previously flooded properties that hold polices through the National Flood Insurance Program. The 2018 FMA Grant was awarded to the City of Houston on behalf of 4 homeowners who voluntarily applied to participate prior to the City's application to TWDB/FEMA. On July 21, 2021, City Council passed Ordinance No. 2021-0625 approving an agreement between the City of Houston and TWDB for administering the Grant and to receive funds for reimbursement of the cost to complete the acquisition and demolition of the structures. Two of the 4 homeowners moved forward with the sale. City Council approved the Purchase and Sale Agreements for both homes on November 21, 2023. Acquisitions are completed and Houston Public Works is in the process of procuring demolition services for the two properties.
During the performance of the grant TWDB and FEMA have extended the performance period by amending the grant agreement. City Council authorized the First Amendment on August 24, 2022 (Ordinance 2022-0654) and the Second Amendment on September 13, 2023 (Ordinance 2023-0748). TWDB and FEMA are granting Houston and other communities two additional years to complete the 2018 FMA grants. If approved, this Request for Council action approves a Third Amendment to allow the City to continue administration of the FMA grant program for two additional years through June 18, 2026.
FISCAL NOTE: No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Randall V. Macchi
Chief Operating Officer
Houston Public Works