Homeowners received some good news at the Federal Emergency Management Agency/city of Port Arthur Town Hall Meeting on Thursday night.

Phillip Vilardi Chief building inspector for the city, said he has issued hundreds of permits to rebuild and none of them had substantial damage — meaning 50 percent or greater to their home — so those homes do not need to be elevated. He said that applied even to homes in Special Hazardous Flood Areas.

Vilardi said homeowners can bring their contractor bids or elevation certificates to the code enforcement office, but “in very few cases did they have to elevate their house.”

“I haven’t seen one yet,” he said.

The process is to get the valuation amount of the property from the Jefferson County Appraisal District and a quote from the contractor. Or, homeowners may call him at 409-983-8251 so he can visit and evaluate the property.

Those not in a SHFA will not need a permit to finish their homes unless it’s an electrical, plumbing or HVAC issue and the homeowners may need a permit for those.

Furthermore, a homeowner can pull their permits or register their contractor with the city. If the contractor is from the State of Texas, homeowners only have to pay 10 percent up front. Vilardi urged homeowners not to pay the total amount up front. If the contractor is from out of state, no percentage of payment up front is required.

Paul Brown, a city floodplain manager, cautioned homeowners not to get an elevation certificate first before the bid.

Brian McDougal, Port Arthur city manager, said at the beginning of the meeting the National Flood Insurance Program is a federal program, not a city program. He invited attendees to look at city maps to find their home’s Basic Flood Elevation.

Darlene Thomas-Pierre, director of code enforcement, said residents who live in a floodplain zone need to see what they can do from where they are. If they do not reside in a floodplain zone, the can go to work on their house.

“Get a permit to protect yourself,” she said. “The permit fees were waived for storm damaged houses. If you’re not sure of what you status is come to the maps and know what your status is.”

Renea Addington, individual and household specialist with FEMA, listed several assistance programs from the agency.

For instance, with rental assistance applicants can use one month of the two-month voucher as a deposit to secure temporary rental property. Applicants can use assistance up to 18 months but must reapply and continue to request it at either www.femaevachotels.com, or by calling 800-621-3362, or the Texas Other Needs Assistance at 800-582-5233 or to fax at 800-827-8112.

A Disaster Recovery Center has opened at Central Mall, 3100 FM 365 in Port Arthur and in Beaumont at Gateway Shopping Center, 3871 Stagg Dr.

One question pertained to acquiring FEMA trailers. Addington said FEMA will call residents who qualify with the appropriate program for them.

Larry Fordham, hazardous mitigation insurance specialist with NFIP, said a SFHA is a zone with a higher flood risk. Rates are based on elevation certificates.

For instance, a $200,000 flood policy will cost $1,400 a year. If the home is one foot below BFE, it will cost $2,500 a year. Two feet will have a higher cost.

“Elevation works and the less the premiums will cost you,” Fordham said.

Residents outside a SFHA are still in a flood zone that is a minimal flood zone.

He said banks and lending institutions do not require a homeowners to carry flood insurance if they have a mortgage. However, if the home is in a minimal flood zone, “you will want to carry flood insurance.”

“The statutory limits are $150,000. For as little as $450 a year you can be covered. Call your insurance agent for a quote. The next time there is an event, and there will be another flood event, we can prepare ourselves,” he said.

Fordham said insurance adjusters are scattered all over from Texas to the Virgin Islands and are processing claims as fast as they possibly can. Some advance partial payments have been issued, but no one has received a full amount claim.

Billions of dollars have already been paid on 6,000 claims.

“We have a long way to go. We’re here for you,” Fordham said.

The average claim is $63,000. Fordham estimates that the average will later be $100,000.

The period to pay premiums has been extended from 30 days to 120 days.

Mark Quinn, public information officer with the Small Business Administration, explained his agency does not issue grants as FEMA does, but issues low interest loans of 1.75 percent of a maximum of $200,000 for 30 years to homeowners.

The process is to apply to FEMA. FEMA will refer the applicant to the SBA. If approved for a loan, the applicant will hear back in four to five weeks. If not approved, the applicant will go back to FEMA.

Quinn said the SBA is there to help residents build their uninsured loss. The deadline to apply is Oct. 24.

An audience member asked if approval was based on credit scores. Quinn said it is not based on credit scores, but on the applicant’s ability to repay.

The is no maximum age limit.