Louisiana Parish Gets Money to Elevate Homes

St. Bernard Parish officials say the suburban New Orleans community has $10 million in federal grants available to help residents elevate their houses and ease the danger from flooding.

The Times-Picayune reports the announcement by Parish President Dave Peralta came as St. Bernard prepared for an open house designed to explain proposed new flood insurance maps.

Mike Hunnicutt, St. Bernard’s hazard mitigation adviser, said he expects the $10 million to fund elevation of 50-80 homes to an average of 8 to 10 feet above the ground.

He said up to $150,000 will be available per person. Elevation costs include a variety of factors so the average cost to elevate is projected at between $110,000 and $160,000, he said.