County asking about interest in buyouts, elevating sites damaged in November flood
Whatcom County and several cities are asking property owners who suffered damage in the November 2021 floods if they would be interested in selling and relocating, or staying and raising the height of their homes and businesses.
The request is to gauge interest in a possible grant application from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund buyouts or flood-prevention projects, according to a statement from Whatcom County Public Works Director Jon Hutchings.
“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant is just one way we are responding to the recent flood event,” Hutchings said in an emailed statement.
“Local, state, tribal, and federal governments are working together on a multitude of other response actions to mitigate and protect the community from future floods. More information on these other actions will be provided as it becomes available,” he said.
Torrential rain in the last half of November caused widespread damage in areas along the Nooksack River, killing one man and forcing hundreds of residents from their homes.
Current estimates show the flood’s toll at $150 million.
President Biden issued a disaster declaration, allowing federal aid for stricken residents and to help fix damaged public infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Letters are being sent to property owners in affected areas along the Nooksack River, including unincorporated Whatcom County, Everson and Ferndale, Hutchings said.
Sumas residents will receive a different letter detailing that city’s approach, Hutchings said.
County officials and the city of Nooksack are working on flood-protection options that don’t involve the grant program, he said.
“The first step in this effort is to conduct outreach to those impacted by the floods and identify interest in mitigation measures, such as elevating a structure or acquiring a property,” Hutchings said in the statement.
“The county will also develop short- and long-term strategies to secure available grant funding to mitigate flood-prone properties in the unincorporated areas of the county,” he said.
These areas will be included in an initial grant application, the statement said.
“If you receive a letter from the county, your property is located in the target area and is invited to participate in the grant application. Participation is fully voluntary. Participating in the grant application does not guarantee award,” the statement said.
Those who don’t receive a letter might be eligible for other funds, the statement said.
“Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District will pursue additional grant opportunities over the next year and we will notify you of the opportunities as they become available,” the statement said.
This story was originally published February 10, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
