CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People whose homes were flooded along the Catawba River in June have a new path to either repair or sell their houses to the county.
Mecklenburg County commissioners approved a plan saying that $3.5 million in rainy day funds will be added to existing funds to help homeowners impacted by flooding.
[LINK: 2019 Flood Recovery Program PDF]
The first option allows the county to buy homes in the worst hit areas. It is a voluntary program. They will follow guidelines on the value and condition of the home and whether the owner had flood insurance.
The county can then use that land for future maintenance or public benefit.
The second is a retrofit program that provides grants to homeowners who want to make their homes more flood-resistant by raising it, which can cost $75 to $125,000. County grants pay for 75 to 90 percent of the cost.
Stormwater Services said 15 homeowners have already applied.
Homeowners can learn more about the program and others at one of the disaster centers that opened Tuesday.
FULL COVERAGE:
- Residents forced to evacuate from Hickory apartment complex due to flooding
- Catawba, Caldwell counties declare State of Emergency after days of heavy rain
- Good Samaritans wade into floodwaters to save trapped fawn
- Names of victims released in Lincolnton car crash into creek
- Burke County nursing home staff moved after water enters building
The Small Business Administration said homeowners can get up to the $200,000 loan for their homes and $40,000 for lost property like cars and other items.
Renters can also get a $40,000 loan for the property.
Channel 9's Gina Esposito spoke with a homeowner, who said these low-interest loans will help people who are trying to rebuild.
"Imagine you lost your $250,000 house with all the contents inside, so if you can get a grant or if you can get a loan, anything is better," homeowner Sabrina Hilaril said. "Because everything went out. It all went out, all your assets went out. Anything can help."
The SBA also has a similar program to the county's that helps homeowners raise their home.
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