NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana homeowners in coastal flood areas can now register for the grant money through the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program’s open lottery.
Registration for the next round of Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants will open at 8 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, and close at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 20.
We've been following some issues with the re-launch of the Fortified Roofs Grant Program. When the window to apply opened Wednesday morning, so many people were trying to access the site, they ended up in virtual waiting rooms.
At first wait times were as long as two hours, by lunch it was down to about 30 minutes and now you only have to wait a couple minutes before the site takes your registration. Everyone who signs up by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 has the same chance of getting picked.
No preference is given to those who register first.
Louisiana homeowners living in coastal flood zones, which cover most of metro New Orleans, parts of Northshore, and the Bayou and River parishes, can register for one of 300 grants, each worth up to $10,000, to upgrade their roofs to withstand high winds and storms.
Homeowners will be selected by lottery, with 200 placed on a waitlist.
Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program.
Homeowners need to create a profile on the program's website. Only primary residences with active wind insurance are eligible, and additional costs beyond the grant must be covered by the homeowner.
Homeowners will also be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections, and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant.
If selected, the grant money will go directly to the construction contractor, but homeowners must also wait for approval before hiring contractors. Grant approval must also be awarded before any roof work can begin or risk losing eligibility.
Watch: Latest rounds of Louisiana fortified home grants open. Here's how to apply
Eligibility and Grant Requirements:
• Homeowners applying for a grant should wait to see if they are selected to participate before contacting an Evaluator or Contractor as the process for selecting professionals is managed through the LFHP grant program. Homeowners who select a Contractor and begin work on the project before receiving approval from the LFHP are not eligible for the program.
• Homeowners selected to receive a grant will be responsible for paying evaluation fees for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator.
• Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption on the property during the application process.
• Homeowners must provide proof of an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage. If they live in a Special Flood Hazard Area as designated by FEMA, they must also provide proof of a flood insurance policy. Contact your agent if you are unsure whether you have these coverages.
• Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
• New construction homes, condominiums, and mobile homes are not eligible to participate in the program.
• Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are not eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.
• The completed project must meet the FORTIFIED Roof Standard for the grant to be issued. Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.
• These and all other eligibility requirements and program details may be reviewed at www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes.
High traffic to registration website delays Louisiana fortified roof grant applications
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