A key component of a community's Local Mitigation Strategy is the identification of floodplain acquisition and elevation projects. The Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management is dedicated to helping communities plan, implement and complete such projects. A handbook is being developed by the Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation which outlines the process of acquisition/buyout and elevation in great detail. This handbook  and future training workshops will be valuable tools to assist communities in carrying out their mitigation strategies.

   The Handbook for Floodplain Acquisition and Elevation Projects, which is nearing completion, covers the entire process from Preparing the Grant Application to Project Closeout. It is a step-by-step guide for local governments to ensure funding and completion of their projects. Two very important steps in the acquisition/buyout process are identifying a Project Manager and understanding Uniform Relocation Assistance requirements.

Project Manager
   Communities need a single point of contact for any mitigation project, whether the entire process is handled in-house or parts are contracted out. This person should be assigned for the duration of the project to provide oversight and to avoid misinformation and confusion. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recommends that communities carefully consider appointing or hiring a Project Manager to serve as the point of contact.

   As with most grant funded projects, this Project Manager will need to:

• Keep good records and submit reports in a timely manner,
• Be responsive to the public and individual property owners,
• Keep in touch with DCA staff, and
• Keep the project moving forward

   If a community decides to handle a project management with existing staff, they should consider hiring an Acquisition/Buyout Specialist to handle some or all of the critical steps in the process. The Handbook for Floodplain Acquisition and Elevation Projects will help communities weigh out this option and provide guidance on the responsibilities for this position.

Uniform Relocation Assistance
   The handbook also gives a brief overview of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, including tenant eligibility for relocation assistance if they are displaced due to an acquisition project. Assistance for the displaced tenant may include moving expenses and increases in monthly rent. A cost estimate can be added to the project cost worksheet or the actual cost can be paid directly by the community and credited as part of the non-federal match

   The handbook does into greater detail on these and many other issues. It is currently in the final stages of development and will be available to communities this fall.

WORKSHOPS
   The Department of Community Affairs, in conjunction with Regional Planning Councils, will be hosting regional workshops on floodplain acquisition and elevation in the following locations:

   Please contact the Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation at 850-413-9884 for more information.

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