Tonight’s FEMA meeting was a general information question and answer session, with officials from the Town, County, State and Federal level.  We will attempt to pass on as much of that information as possible.

Most of you have been concerned about rumors that the Town or FEMA will prohibit new construction/repairs on the west end and that utilities will not be restored.  When asked if the Town intended to rebuild the West end, the Mayor replied, “Yes. We are in the process now.  The west end is important to the Island economically, it generates a lot of revenue, there is a lot at stake.   We have a role to play as local officials. The Town has a responsibility to rebuild that part of the Island as we would rebuild any other part of the Island .”  When asked if the Mayor had been told by any agency of any limitations on rebuilding the west end, the Mayor stated that no agency has told him anything to that effect.  The Mayor went on to say that the goal of the Town is to restore the West end to better than pre-storm condition.  Work on the infrastructure is currently underway with the DOT (Dept of Transportation) assisting in the temporary repair of Bienville Blvd, Alabama Power and DI Water and Sewer laying new lines.  The Mayor expects power to be restored before water, and reminded property owners that their electrical must be inspected by the Town, before service can be turned on.  This is to protect against electrical hazards.  Call Town at 251-861-5525 to request inspection.    Water service on the West end is estimated to take between 4-6 months.  Remember that according to the Town a structure can not be inhabited until it has water and sewer service.

The Mayor was also asked about the feasibility of elevating Bienville Blvd before repaving it, in an attempt to alleviate the all to familiar flooding.  The Mayor said he was told by DOT personnel that the Federal Highway Administration made a request to examine Bienville before resurfacing to look at mitigation to reduce future damages.  The Mayor said he hoped to know more on the subject after a meeting taking place a couple of weeks from now.  The Mayor says he does support any action to improve the road.  Speaking of roads, those of you with pieces of Bienville, Island Shores and Bridgeview in your yards, it is your responsibility to remove or place those pieces on the right of way for debris pick up.  Government contractors can not come onto private property to collect debris. 

Are we still going to be able to get flood insurance here on the Island ? According to Janice Mitchell with the National Flood Insurance program the answer is yes.  As long as a community participates in the program and follows program guidelines, that community is eligible.  There will be no rate increase for a specific area, when rates are increased they are increased equally across the US .   Ms. Mitchell reminded the audience that structures built below the base flood elevation are not covered.  This applies to storerooms, decking, docks, etc.  Ms. Mitchell also warned the audience that due to the size of this disaster as well as new, quickly trained FEMA employees, there are many new claims adjusters as well, as some may not be as well trained as we would like.  If you disagree with your adjustor, remember that you may still cash the check you receive form the insurance company while you settle the remainder of the claim.  If for example the adjuster says it will cost $1,000.00 to repair a roof and you receive three estimates saying it would be a minimum of $2,000.00, you would send copies of the estimates to your insurance company and file a supplemental claim.   You do not give up your rights by cashing the $1,000.00 check while working thru the supplemental claim to be processed.  If you have difficulties with your adjuster, speak first with the adjustor, then hi/her supervisor, then your insurance company.  If the matter can not be settled, Ms. Mitchell  suggests sending a detailed letter with your policy information, a description of the problem and your contact information to: Director of Claims, FEMA, 500 C Street S.W. , Washington , DC   20472 .  Your information will be researched and you will hear from an investigator. 

For those homeowners who have had substantial damage of 50% or more of the homes value in the past 10 years (all flood related damages in the past 10 years added together, ex Ivan damage plus Katrina damage), you may be eligible for up to $30,000.00 in addition to your insurance for ICC.  These funds must be used to bring the structure into flood compliance by either raising the existing foundation above base flood elevation, moving the structure to a new location above base flood elevation or demolishing the existing structure and building a new foundation above base flood elevation.  To determine eligibility, home must be inspected by FEMA reps.  To get on the list for inspection, call the Town.  Town bldg inspectors are also preparing a list of structures to be inspected. To compute damage %, a computer program is used along with the pre-event value determined by the tax assessor’s records.  Property owners may challenge the findings by hiring a professional property appraiser and presenting their findings.    The intent of this is to bring those properties repetitively damaged (2 or more claims over 10 years representing more than 50% of the value of the structure) to safe, current flood guidelines.  The process is complicated and somewhat confusing, if you are in this category, you should receive notification from the Town, at that point we suggest you contact Building Inspector Joyce Allen for clarification if needed and info on the next step. 

Remember that even though they are not eligible thru FEMA, those second homes used for vacation rentals are eligible for low interest SBA loans (around 3.6%, 30yr).  You will have to go thru application process, credit check, etc to determine eligibility.  In some case of hardship, there are programs with SBA to help you restructure 1^st and 2^nd mortgages. 

The Town will be working with FEMA on mitigation projects like elevation and wind retrofits (metal roofs, shutters).  To qualify a project has to be supported by the Town so call them if you are interested. For this type of project the 75% of the upgrade in covered by FEMA, leaving you only 25% of the cost.  Town also assists property owners who wish to investigate FEMA buyout program.  Call the Town for information.