ABBEVILLE – The sign-up period has officially begun for homeowners in Vermilion Parish who wish to obtain up to $40,000 in funding to mitigate against potentially hazardous flood conditions by elevating their homes, or have recently done so.

Vermilion Parish is working with the State of Louisiana to provide two programs for elevation funding. These include a Foundation Reconstruction Program for residents who need to elevate their homes, as well as a Homeowner Compensation Program to provide unmet funding needs for residents who have already completed the elevation process. Both programs kicked off with three informational meetings, slated for April 19, May 3, and May 5 in the parish. Each program is utilizing federal Community Development Block Grants to facilitate the funding availability. Applicants will be required to provide proof of flooding damage from Gustav or Ike, as well as income, ownership and occupancy documentation.

Any residents who have not yet been able to attend a meeting but are still interested in participating in the program are encouraged to attend the last of the three informational meetings to gain more information. All interested Vermillion Parish homeowners will need to sign up within a 90-day period that begins after the first public meeting, making the deadline to indicate interest in the program July 19, 2011. Sign-up forms are available at each of the informational meetings. In addition, municipal sites across the parish will have sign-up forms available at their offices for residents unable to attend any of the three informational meetings. The sign-up forms are available to residents at the Vermilion Parish Police Jury office, at Abbeville City Hall, at Delcambre City Hall, at Erath City Hall and at Gueydan City Hall.