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Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Elevation Program

elevations
Photo by FEMA/Rosanna Arias

The Department of Environmental Protection has assumed administration of the HMGP Program from the Department of Community Affairs as the sub-grantee.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Elevation Program is a FEMA-funded reimbursement program designed to assist homeowners in affected communities with the elevation of their existing primary single-family residences to meet requirements of the flood insurance risk maps and State and local ordinances. As a mitigation program, the primary objective of the HMGP Elevation Program is to encourage and financially assist in the elevation of existing primary single-family detached homes to reduce the risk of loss of life and property from a future storm.

The program is limited to the Sandy-impacted counties of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. There are no income limits for this program and a property need not have been damaged by Superstorm Sandy to qualify.  Homes that have been demolished or are not structurally sound to be elevated are not eligible.

Eligible applicants can receive reimbursement of up to $30,000 for elevations on existing homes. Homeowners can use any elevation contractor registered in New Jersey that is qualified to do the work. Elevation construction may not begin until FEMA has determined that the project is eligible for funding and the applicant has received approval from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection specifically authorizing the elevation construction.

Once all necessary authorizations have been received (including required State or local permits and a Certificate of Occupancy or its equivalent), the home elevation is completed, receipts for eligible expenses are submitted and our Duplication of Benefits (DOB) process is completed, the homeowner will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

Please note the following HMGP requirements:

  • No elevation construction may begin prior to approval from FEMA. Repairs needed to make the home structurally sound are acceptable prior to authorization.
  • FEMA ultimately determines project eligibility for this program.
  • The HMGP Elevation Program is a reimbursement program.
  • Final award amounts will be determined following the completion of elevation construction and after a Duplication of Benefit (DOB) review has been completed.
  • Flood insurance must be maintained on the elevated structure in perpetuity by way of deed restriction.
  • Failure to comply with program timelines may result in disqualification. The applicant will be officially notified of denial from program participation with appeal rights.

Applicants who do not know their application status should contact the HMGP Elevations office and ask for their HMGP Grant Administrator.  Please visit the Contact page for the HMGP Elevations Office.

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Last Updated: July 11, 2018