Bonita Springs approves FEMA‑backed home‑elevation program management for 27 homeowners
June 06, 2026 | Bonita Springs City, Lee County, Florida
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The Bonita Springs City Council voted to approve a Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) management contract that will support home‑elevation projects for a preselected group of 27 homeowners affected by Hurricane Ian.
Ellie Mchuan of Public Works explained the program is participant‑based: applicants were identified in 2023 and only those homeowners may participate in this HMGP award (23 homes in the Central Bonita Springs neighborhood and 4 in Imperial Shores). The program covers structural inspections, boundary and soils surveys, engineering plans, permitting, disconnection and reconnection of utilities, installation of pilings or other foundation work, and two sets of stairs; it can also include a lift/platform for residents with a documented medical need. Post‑elevation, the ground floor is intended for parking and storage.
Under the HMGP rules cited by staff, FEMA pays approximately 75% of eligible elevation costs and homeowners are responsible for the remaining 25%. The city will solicit elevation contractors nationwide; each house will be bid individually and the city will select the lowest responsible responsive bidder consistent with procurement policy. Temporary relocation costs while construction occurs are reimbursable (the program pays up to six months), but homeowners will initially pay and submit invoices for reimbursement.
"We will be working with those 27 homeowners," Ellie said, adding the city will require documentation that the homeowner can provide the 25% match before work begins and will treat the implementation with close individual attention. Staff said neighborhood meetings for participating homeowners are planned in mid‑July to explain contracts and timelines.
Council voted to approve the contract by roll call. Staff noted that this program is separate from the state's Elevate Florida program and that other elevation projects being handled by the state are not part of this contract.
Ellie Mchuan of Public Works explained the program is participant‑based: applicants were identified in 2023 and only those homeowners may participate in this HMGP award (23 homes in the Central Bonita Springs neighborhood and 4 in Imperial Shores). The program covers structural inspections, boundary and soils surveys, engineering plans, permitting, disconnection and reconnection of utilities, installation of pilings or other foundation work, and two sets of stairs; it can also include a lift/platform for residents with a documented medical need. Post‑elevation, the ground floor is intended for parking and storage.
Under the HMGP rules cited by staff, FEMA pays approximately 75% of eligible elevation costs and homeowners are responsible for the remaining 25%. The city will solicit elevation contractors nationwide; each house will be bid individually and the city will select the lowest responsible responsive bidder consistent with procurement policy. Temporary relocation costs while construction occurs are reimbursable (the program pays up to six months), but homeowners will initially pay and submit invoices for reimbursement.
"We will be working with those 27 homeowners," Ellie said, adding the city will require documentation that the homeowner can provide the 25% match before work begins and will treat the implementation with close individual attention. Staff said neighborhood meetings for participating homeowners are planned in mid‑July to explain contracts and timelines.
Council voted to approve the contract by roll call. Staff noted that this program is separate from the state's Elevate Florida program and that other elevation projects being handled by the state are not part of this contract.
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