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County of Gloucester FEMA

Overview

In September 2003, heavy surf and extremely high tides accompanying Hurricane Isabel caused a 10-foot surge of water along the County's southeastern coastline. The resulting floodwater inundated the County's York District, damaging over 300 homes, the historic VIMS research home, several small businesses, churches, and roads. The tidal surge was so high that part of the Achilles Elementary School, located over 4 miles from the coastline, was under several inches of water. More than 75 homes were irreparable and had to be condemned by the County.

Approach

K. W. Poore & Associates, aided by Bay Aging and the Gloucester Housing Partnership, assisted the County in developing a multifacitated recovery and mitigation plan for residential homes located in Guinea neighborhoods of the County. The firm worked with community stakeholders and the County to identify the major concerns of the residents and to locate funding from various programs to assist in the flood recovery and reconstruction. Applications were submitted to the VDHCD Community Development Block Grant Urgent Funds Grant and the FEMA/VDEM Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The final outcome included the creation of seven renovated or reconstructed homes, the elevation of over thirty properties out of the floodplain, and the acquisition of sixteen homes that were built on over 60 acres of new, permanent open space. The cost of the programs exceeded $6,100,000.