Rhode Island Residents Want Grants to Elevate Homes

Some Rhode Island residents are seeking federal grant money to help pay for elevating their homes to reduce the risk of flooding – and avoid spikes in flood insurance rates.

Seven homeowners in Barrington who want to elevate their homes have applied through the town for hazard mitigation grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Town Planner Philip Hervey told The Providence Journal that Barrington’s application for the FEMA grants includes projects ranging from $75,000 to $160,000. The grants could pay up to 75 percent of the cost of elevating houses.

Flood insurance rates are rising under the National Flood Insurance Program. Rhode Islanders in high-risk zones could face annual premiums of $20,000 or more.

Several Rhode Island towns are competing for the FEMA grants, including Westerly and Narragansett.