Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Miami Beach is accepting applications this month for up to $20,000 in grant funds for flood risk assessments and flood mitigation projects. Applications for second-round funding may be submitted until March 15.
The first-of-its-kind program generated 65 applications and 42 site assessments during the first round of funding. The flood risk assessments were valued at $2,500 in addition to up to $17,500 in matching project reimbursements. As in the case of the first round, the program is open to single-family residential, multifamily residential and commercial properties. Low-to-moderate income applicants are eligible to receive the entire $20,000 maximum reimbursement without a funding match.
“We want to encourage Miami Beach residents and businesses to become more resilient as we experience unprecedented challenges from sunny-day flooding, sea level rise and changing weather patterns,” Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak explained.
Every $1 spent on resilience can save an estimated $13 in disaster response and recovery costs, according to the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Approved projects in the first round of the program range from seawall upgrades, home elevation projects, rain gardens, dry floodproofing and the relocation of mechanical systems to prevent intrusion from flood waters. This includes, electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air-conditioning systems.
To submit an application for consideration by click here.
A team of reviewers will evaluate and prioritize each application based on established criteria that includes elevation, residential status, historic designation, income and flood data.
For more information, visit www.mbrisingabove.com/ppa.
