The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Monday night and heard a presentation from Joyce Holley with NC Emergency Management and Mr. Francis with FEMA. They discussed the Hazard Mitigation program meetings that will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am until 7 pm each day at the White Lake Fire Department.
Mr. Francis told the board that FEMA is partnering with the state and the community as a team to carry out the program. He said FEMA will notify the state how much funding is available and the state will set the priorities for the program.
Mr. Francis said there are three priorities that have been selected by North Carolina.The first priority is acquisition and demolition which means the county could buy homes that are located in flood hazard areas and demolish them. He said the county then own the property in perpetuity.
The second priority is elevation which is when the home is raised to the required flood protection elevation.
The third priority is rebuilding which is when the home is demolished and rebuilt to the current building codes.
Mr. Francis said that during the meetings in White Lake they will be receiving applications from citizens and will compile a list. He said the list will then be presented to the board for approval and, if the list is approved, it will be returned back to the state. Mr. Francis said the date for the expedited applications is March 31.
Joyce Holley said the main priority will be those who are still housed in hotels or those who are still living with friends and family members. She said those residents are considered to be homeless.
Ms. Holley said that even though this program is targeting homeowners, there is some funding that has been set aside for generators for critical care needs such as fire departments, hospitals and the court house.
The meetings will take place from 10 am until 7 pm at the White Lake Fire Department on March 7, 8 and 9.
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