NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Nine flood-prone houses in New Smyrna Beach are getting a lift through a FEMA mitigation program.

What You Need To Know

  • Nine flood-prone New Smyrna Beach houses are being elevated

  • FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to raise the houses above the 100-year floodplain 

  • 75 percent of the project is funded by FEMA, remaining 25 percent split between the city and each property owner

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will elevate the at-risk single-family houses above the 100-year floodplain. FEMA funds 75 percent of the project, with the remaining 25 percent split between the city and each property owner. The city will contribute a maximum of $35,000 per property, according to Public Information Officer Phillip Veski.

Homeowners applied for the funding after Hurricane Irma. “We held four public meetings to obtain feedback and participation knowing it was a long-term commitment of four to five years,” said City Engineer Kyle Fegley.

Amanda Prokop said she found out they approved her Sunset Drive house in December for the project.

Construction began last week to raise her house by eight feet.

“It’s a peace of mind,” she said. “We’re not going to be refugees anymore. We’re going to be able to open our house to someone that needs a place to stay too, so we can return the favor.”