The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, has formalized plans to provide federal funding for a hazard mitigation reconstruction project in Seminole County. This funding aligns with Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, as per Seminole County press release.
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the approved project targets a residential home at Lake Street, Oviedo, FL, 32765. The proposed plan involves demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new, elevated one that adheres to the current building codes. This reconstruction effort aims, to bolster the area's resistance to future flood damage, and ensure resident safety in what is known to be a flood-prone Coastal AE Zone within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Specifically, the replacement building will be set upon a stem wall foundation, raised at least two feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE+2). In terms of prerequisites, the new structure's square footage is capped at being no more than ten percent larger than the original building. Moreover, FEMA stipulates that the encompassing work must adhere to various construction standards, including the Florida Building Code, ASCE 24-14, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standards (FFRMS), and local floodplain ordinances.
Public input is a pivotal part of the planning process, and as such, FEMA seeks commentary from residents and interested parties. Feedback is particularly welcomed from minority or low-income populations that might be inequitably impacted by the mitigation efforts. Written comments addressed to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Mitigation, are due within 30 days from the notice date. This initiative not only emphasizes compliance with legal frameworks but also underlines sensitivity to the social makeup of the affected locality.
For those interested in delving deeper into the plans or issuing comments, Seminole County's Mitigation Coordinator Kathryn Valentine and the State's Lead Environmental Specialist Kayla Born are the contacts provided. With the clock ticking on the aforementioned feedback window, Seminole County propels forward with its project, albeit with the shared understanding that even the best-laid plans are subject to the will of those whom they're designed to benefit and protect.
