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 the elevation of thirty-eight (38) 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 38 homeowners who voluntarily applied to participate prior to the City's application to TWDB/FEMA. On August 25, 2021, City Council passed Ordinance No. 2021-0725 approving an agreement between the City of Houston and TWDB for administering the Grant and to receive funds for reimbursement of eligible costs to complete the elevations. At this time, thirty-two (32) of the 38 homeowners have elected to move forward with elevation. Houston Public Works is in the process of finalizing and executing the homeowner agreements.
During the performance of the grant, TWDB and FEMA have extended the performance period by amending the grant agreement. City Council authorized the First Amendments on August 24, 2022, by Ordinance 2022-0652 and the Second Amendment on September 20, 2023, by Ordinance 2023-0766. 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 authorizes 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.
_______________________________
Randall V. Macchi
Chief Operating Officer
Houston Public Works