1. What is the geographic footprint of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project?

The Project contains structures located in Calcasieu, Cameron, Vermilion, and a small portion of Iberia parishes in Louisiana. Within these parishes, eligible structures fall within the 0–25-year floodplain projected in 2025.

2. What phase is the Project in?

The Preconstruction, Engineering and Design (PED) Phase for all eligible structures as well as Design-Build Phase for the structures identified in the First Priority grouping are currently being simultaneously carried out.

3. What agencies are funding the Project?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is the responsible federal agency. The Coastal Protection Restoration and Authority (CPRA) is the non-federal sponsor. Construction will be funded 65% by the Corps and 35% by CRPA. 

4. How much funding is available for the Project?

Most recently, the project received funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022 and in the FY22 Community Projects Funding for National Economic Development Plan (NED). Available funding from the Corps and CPRA totals approximately $400 million, which is expected to cover eligible properties’ assessment and the elevation of 800-1,000 structures.

5. How long will implementation of the Project take?

Which properties get elevated first is dependent upon how many eligible applicants apply, which structures pass their assessments and remain eligible for construction, and further funding received. It’s anticipated that all phases the Project will be implemented over 20 years; however, the next portion of Project implementation relies on federal and non-federal construction funding availability.

1. What structures are eligible for the Project?

The Feasibility Study evaluated structures in Calcasieu, Cameron, Vermilion, and a small portion of Iberia parishes in Louisiana in the 0–25-year floodplain projected in 2025. The Final Feasibility Study report identified 3,457 residential structures, 342 non-residential buildings and 157 warehouses that are preliminary eligible.

2. How do I find out if my property is in the Project?

The Project team has sent letters to most eligible property addresses, but you can use the address verification app located on the Project website, https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/SWCoastal/, to input your address and check eligibility. For any questions about your (in)eligibility, reach out to the Project team at SWCoastalAdmin@usace.army.mil or call the Corps’ phone line at 877-814-2539. Even if your property appears ineligible, you are still welcome to apply so that we may contact you with information on other potential floodproofing opportunities.

3. What if my structure was identified as preliminarily eligible in the Feasibility Study?

If your structure was identified as potentially eligible in the Final Feasibility Study report, you should have been contacted via a postcard or letter with additional information on the next steps and process. The Project team will be hosting several public informational meetings throughout the Parishes to share information with identified property owners.

4. What if my structure was NOT identified as preliminarily eligible in the Feasibility Study?

Only owners of those structures identified in the Final Feasibility Study report are eligible to participate in the Project at this time. Please reach out to your local parish officials for other home elevation or floodproofing programs.

5. Is the Project voluntary?

Yes, the Project is 100% voluntary. No property owner is required to participate.

6. What documents do I need to provide with my application? Can I still apply if I don’t have them available now? Can I start my application and come back to it later?

It’s helpful to provide the following with your application:

• Title or deed in your name
• Any HOA rules for the property
• Elevation certificates or land surveys (if they have been performed)
• Lease agreement for rental properties
• Information on any judgements, liens, encumbrances, loans, or mortgages on the property (if applicable)
• Need for medical accommodations once the property is floodproofed (if applicable)

You cannot come back to the online application once you’ve begun; you must finish the application process in one session. If you do not have the above documents, you’re always welcome to submit them to the Project team later via fax, email, or USPS mail. They are not required during initial Application Phase but are necessary during the Screening and Design-Build Phases.

7. How do I know if my application went through? Will I get project status updates?

The application system automatically sends confirmation emails to both the Project team and the applicant (using the email you’ve listed during the application process). If you do not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to the Project team. Status updates for eligible properties that have applied are now active and can be viewed here:

https://arcportal-ucop-partners.usace.army.mil/usaceportal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=919ccd40891843cfa0eabc08dbbdf6d0&page=Status

8. What is the long-term real estate agreement mentioned in some of the Project documents?

The State of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers both mandate that homeowners enter into a long-term real estate agreement akin to a permanent easement directly under the home. This document states that the homeowner understands and agrees to maintain the elevated area as built and not modify it in a way that would restrict floodwater movement. It is NOT a purchase agreement or an issuance of imminent domain – your home and property remain yours. For more information, please see the Real Estate Agreement description at the end of this document.

9. I have received disaster assistance to elevate my home – am I still eligible to participate in this Project?

Receipt of previous disaster funding to elevate your structure would remove your property from Project eligibility. According to federal law, this Project cannot pay for repairs that were paid for by a different source; this is called a duplication of benefits. During the screening process, structures may undergo a verification of benefits to verify any potential sources of aid provided in response to prior events.

10. What happens if I buy/sell a property that’s eligible for the project?

Project eligibility is tied to the structure itself, not the owner, so buying or selling does not affect whether the property may be included in the Project. If you are selling your property, we ask that you pass along Project information to the new owner and encourage them to contact the Project team. If you are buying an eligible property, please reach out to the Project team.

11. What if I need handicapped access to my property once it’s floodproofed?

The Project adheres to ADA regulations and will offer accessibility accommodations to eligible individuals. Homeowners/residents are required to provide a licensed physician’s note regarding the medical need for accommodations, at which point the elevation contractor will work to incorporate such features into the elevation design. Commercial properties will all feature ADA Accommodations incorporated into floodproofing designs.

Real Estate Agreement

To participate in the elevation Design-Build Phase of the Project and complete the elevation of the structure, homeowners will be required to enter into a long-term real estate agreement as part of their Participation Agreement. This agreement is a perpetual land use restriction in place prohibiting human habitation or placement of any permanent obstruction or enclosure between the ground level and the first floor of the elevated structure. Such habitation or enclosure would interfere with the integrity of the elevated structure and pose a risk of failure of the elevations’ intended purpose. The homeowner will also be required to allow the State of Louisiana or its representatives access to perform periodic visual inspections of the elevation to ensure this agreement is fulfilled. These restrictions are required by both the State of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on federal- or state-funded elevation projects to ensure the success of these floodproofing measures.

1. What surveys and investigations will be required on my property?

There are several surveys that will be required before construction can occur. The surveys include: a first-floor elevation survey, a structural condition assessment, Phase 1 environmental site assessment, and a cultural resources and historic buildings survey. A description of each survey can be found in the Description of Surveys, located at the end of this document.  Additional surveys may be needed for non-residential properties.

2. Why does my structure need an assessment?

The purpose of the structural condition assessment is to determine the structural soundness (ability of the structure to withstand the elevation) and determine if there are any required repairs needed prior to the structure being elevated or floodproofed. The other surveys are required under federal regulations to ensure the appropriate protections for any cultural or historical features, as well as identify any potential hazards to the Project team or contractors. 

3. What if the assessment reveals items that need to be remedied prior to construction?

If the structural condition assessment reveals any items that need to be repaired, you may be required to make the repairs before the Project can begin elevation.

4. Do I have to pay for the surveys and investigations?

No, the cost of the assessment and all site surveys are covered by Project funding.

Description of Surveys

The following information describes the surveys that are required to determine Project eligibility prior to construction of non-structural flood risk reduction measures. Surveys will be conducted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ contractors. Property owners will be contacted at least 48 hours in advance of any work that will occur on their property. Surveys are subject to change due to weather, delays in obtaining proper paperwork, or funding.

First-Floor Elevation

A survey crew, under the direction of a Louisiana licensed Professional Surveyor, will enter the property to obtain first-floor elevations and other information required by FEMA form OMB No. 1660-0008 to produce an Elevation Certificate for the structure. In addition to the first-floor elevation, spot elevations at each exterior egress door will be measured as well as spot elevations at adjacent grade. Other information for the FEMA documentation includes, but is not limited to, general building description, flood zone determination, identifying the existence or absence of a garage, and photographs of the building exterior. The first-floor elevation survey is necessary to confirm eligibility to Project participation.

Structural Condition Assessment

A Corps contractor will enter the property to perform visual observations on the physical condition(s) of the exterior and interior of the structure. Observations and assessments of the building’s foundation, walls, roof, and overall structural integrity will be performed. No invasive actions will be performed. Operability of the exterior egress doors and non-cosmetic windows will be exhibited by the property owner or tenant. The property owner or tenant will remove any obstructions to any features the Corps representative needs to assess. A plumbing system assessment will not be performed. However, any plumbing abnormalities or conditions that would affect the elevation of the structure will be noted. An electrical system assessment will be minimal. However, any electrical abnormalities or conditions that would affect the lifting of the structure will be noted. The building condition assessment is necessary to confirm eligibility to Project participation.

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment: Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW)

A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report prepared for a real estate holding which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called an ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property. The analysis typically includes a review of available records, a property inspection, interviews with current owners/occupants, and preparation of a report. The contractor would need access to the property to visually inspect for signs of environmental contamination. The national standard for this process requires that access to fields, grounds, and buildings be granted. It would be necessary to enter all structures on the property. The contractor would perform a visual inspection, taking note of the date the structure was built. Structures built after 1973 should not have asbestos and structures built after 1978 should not have lead-based paint. Ditches and drainages were used routinely as disposal areas until the 1960s and 1970s so those may need to be inspected as well. These visual inspections, in conjunction with historical data searches and personal interviews with property owners, form the basis for any potential recommendation for future, more intrusive investigations (Phase 2 ESAs). For example, if during an interview or review of historical documents it is revealed that an underground storage tank exists on the property, then the Phase 1 report may recommend additional investigations to determine if any contamination exists and to what degree. During a Phase 1 ESA, soil samples are not collected.

Cultural Resources and Historic Buildings Survey

During this survey, an archeologist will walk the area to look for archeological sites visible on the ground surface. Architectural historians will visit each structure to evaluate if the structure is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The architectural historian will interview the property owner regarding the various buildings’ ages and history. In order to be eligible, the building or structure must be 50 years old or older, must retain its historic integrity (aspects of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association), and must meet one of more of the National Register eligibility criteria: Criterion A – association with significant historic events; Criterion B – association with historically significant persons; Criterion C – its architecture has the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or is the work of a master architect, or possesses high artistic values, or is a representative example of a historically-important but architecturally nondistinctive building or structure or related group; and, Criterion D – has the potential to provide important information on a region’s history or prehistory. The significance may be on a local, regional, state, or national level. If an eligible building or structure will be directly impacted by the Project either through construction or operation, the adverse effects will need to be mitigated prior to building or structure relocation or demolition and/or Project construction in that area. These surveys are needed to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and its implementing regulation, 36 CFR Part 800, Protection of Historic Properties.

1. When will construction start?

Construction on the first set of structures (those previously surveyed and cleared for elevation) is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2024. Surveys and assessments on the next set of structures is expected to begin late fall 2024. Construction on the next set of structures is expected to begin in the summer of 2025.

2. When will my property be floodproofed?

This is initially dependent upon your property passing its screenings and assessments. Once those are performed, we will move your property into the “Design-Build” phase, where it will be issued to a contractor to perform the floodproofing. This timeline may depend on the location of your property, its type of foundation, and how many other properties are already being worked on. We will have more of these answers once the property is with the Design-Build contractor. 

3. What type of floodproofing measures will be considered for my structure?

The primary measures that will be considered are elevation for residential structures, dry floodproofing of commercial structures (excluding large warehouses), and localized storm surge reduction of warehouse structures. The exact method and appearance will be determined once a professional engineer evaluates each structure.

4. Will you buy out my structure?

No, buyouts are not allowed in this Project.

5. What are the design considerations for elevating residential structures?

Residential structures will be evaluated to verify that the structure can withstand the elevation process. If it’s determined that the structure can withstand elevation, a professional engineer will develop a plan accordingly. Typical structure-elevation methods used throughout the Louisiana coast will be considered, and each structure will be individually evaluated to determine the most reasonable method.

6. What type of improvements will be done? What if I want additional work done beyond what the Project will cover?

The Project will cover all eligible costs associated with elevating the structure (above the 100-year base flood elevation projected in 2075) in accordance with industry standards. Non-eligible costs, also known as betterments, will be the sole responsibility of the property owner. Betterments are strongly discouraged as it will result in out-of-pocket expenses for the property owner and will likely increase the time you (or a tenant) are required to vacate the property.

7. How will structures be prioritized for construction?

The prioritization strategy for the first phase of implementation involved overlaying first-floor elevation and socioeconomic factors onto the preliminary eligible structures identified in the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Final Feasibility Study. The strategy for construction prioritization may be modified in future years based on lessons learned and available funding.

8. Are there any out-of-pocket expenses to the property owner?

The cost of elevating the structure will be cost-shared between the Corps and CPRA. The cost of elevating a residential structure will not require a monetary contribution from the property owner; however, the property owner may incur some costs. Examples of these costs may include those associated with bringing the structure up to code; title clearing; Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste removal or cleanup prior to elevation. During the home elevation process, homeowners are responsible for displacement lodging costs.

Residential Construction Questions

1. Who will perform the work on/at/to my property?

The Corps will contract with one or more licensed and bonded surveying and construction firms to complete surveys, assessments, and home elevation. The Corps’ representatives may be present periodically during construction to perform quality assurance reviews. USACE representatives may act as points of contact to check in and provide updates on a regularly scheduled basis, as well as requesting information to complete required legal documentation. Additional coordination between the Corps, CPRA, contractors, and homeowners will occur throughout the design and elevation process.

2. What portion of the elevation cost will I be responsible for?

The Federal government and CPRA will cost share the cost of the structure being elevated. The property owner will have little to no responsibility for the cost of elevation. If preexisting issues are identified through the previously mentioned surveys, the property owner will be responsible for addressing those issues prior to the structure being elevated.

3. What are some eligible costs that will be paid by the Project?

• Elevation of the structure
• Elevating mechanical equipment (e.g., air conditioner, furnace, water heater, electrical panel, fuel storage, valves, or meters)
• Connecting, disconnecting, and extending utility connections for electrical power, fuel, incoming potable water, wastewater discharge
• Meeting access requirements of applicable building codes (e.g., stairs with landings, guardrails)
• Creating large vent openings in the foundation and walls to meet requirements for floodwater entry and exit
• In instances where medically necessary accessibility accommodations may be required (e.g., elevators, lifts, ramps), these may be considered an eligible improvement when medical professional/DMV documentation is provided
• Removal of any trees that restrict the elevation of a structure
• Site grading and site restoration including restoring landscaping to preconstruction condition
• Costs associated with maintaining the historic designation for historic structures that are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as determined by the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office
• Temporary site protection measures during site work
• Allowable relocation assistance funds for displaced tenant(s) in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs of 1970, Public Law 91-646, 84 Stat. 1984 (42 U.S.C. 4601), as amended by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, Title IV of Public Law 100-17, 101 Stat. 246-256.

4. What are some non-eligible costs that will NOT be covered as part of the Project?

Costs that exceed the work necessary to safely elevate and or floodproof a structure are deemed ineligible costs, and any such costs remain the sole responsibility of the property owner. Some examples of these costs are:

• Any structural and system repair due to existing deficiencies
• Modifications or improvements to a septic system except for extension of lines from the elevated structure to the existing system
• Cost for elevation above the identified base flood elevation
• Modifications to structures that are not attached to the eligible structure
• Modifications to tubs, pools, spas, hot tubs, and related structures or accessories
• Modifications to decks and patios not connected to or immediately adjacent to the structure except for modifications that are expressly required by building codes (i.e., stairways and landing modifications)
• The proper remediation, removal and disposal of environmental contaminants including but not limited to HTRW, asbestos, and asbestos-containing materials in damaged or friable form
• Costs associated with bringing a non-conforming structure into compliance with current building code, housing code, and/or other applicable codes
• Costs associated with special access improvements (e.g., elevators, lifts, ramps, etc.) that are not deemed eligible
• Improvements to structures not considered the primary residence (i.e., detached garage, shed and/or barns). 

5. Who is responsible for covering the costs of secondary housing if I’m required to leave my home during the elevation?

If you are required to leave the property and you are the owner of the structure, it will be your responsibility to cover any secondary living expenses. Lessees may request consideration for funding through the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs of 1970, Public Law 91-646, 84 Stat. 1984 (42 U.S.C. 4601), as amended by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, Title IV of Public Law 100-17, 101 Stat. 246-256.

What to Expect During Construction

1. Can I stay in my residence during construction?

For most of construction, you will be able to stay in your residence. We anticipate occupants being asked to leave for up to 2 weeks, depending on the type of structure, utility disconnection and reconnection, required height of elevation, and other factors. This will typically be outlined when the contractor makes design recommendations for the structure; however, adjustments may become necessary if complications are found during the elevation process.

2. What impacts will I have during the elevation process?

The Corps will do their best to work with the contractors and property owners to minimize inconveniences, time out of the home, and other impacts during construction. Occupants will be asked to leave the home during a specific timeframe of construction when the structure is considered unsafe or uninhabitable. A temporary construction zone may impact the driveway or other access to your property. Temporary steps, ramps, or other features will be installed to allow access to your structure until more permanent means are built prior to construction completion.

3. How long will I be without utilities? Will I be contacted before utilities are disconnected?

Utilities may be turned off during the portion of construction when you will be asked to vacate the property up to 2 weeks. Barring any complications with bringing utilities up to code prior to reconnection, this should be the extent of utility disconnection.

4. If the elevation causes interior wall cracking, or any other interior aesthetic affects, are repairs covered for these items under the program?

If these issues occur as a direct result of the structure elevation, repairs will be considered a Project-covered cost. Interior and exterior video surveys of the structure will be performed before the elevation process is begun and after its completion.

5. Will my structure be safeguarded during construction in the event of hurricane or tropical storm threats?

Yes, the Project contractor(s) will be responsible for ensuring a safety plan for your structure in the event of strong weather threats. This will be outlined in the contractors’ work requirements.