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<br /> <br />Specific lessons learned include: <br /> <br />. There was a significant difference between the estimated costs and the <br />actual costs. In some instances. the actual costs were t\-vice the estimated <br />costs. Contributing factors included: adherence to unnecessarily high engi- <br />neering standards for new foundations; and the under~estima[ion of certain <br />costs such as asbestos removal and neVi accesses.35 <br /> <br />The general lack of contractors and labor to undertake an elevation project <br />of this magnitude. This has been a major problem, and one that \vill be <br />difficult to overcome given the scope of the project, the rural location. and the <br />fierce competition with the high-growth coastal communities for skilled <br />laborers, particularly masons. A partial solution is to hire larger contractors <br />"vho can bring in their labor and bid on 40 or more houses at a time, \vhich <br />vvould make these jobs more cost-effective. Fo!lowing an extensive outreach <br />effort to identify potential contractors, via trade publications and the Internet, <br />recent bids have produced cost estimates more in-line with early estimates. <br /> <br />Public outreach and sustained communication are important components. <br />It will take several years to complete elevation of more than 500 homes. [n <br />the meantime, it is important to maintain daily communication \\lith the <br />community, and particularly those residents who are v,/aiting to have their <br />homes elevated. The criteria used to establish priorities need to be clearly <br />communicated, and once established, the order should not be altered if at all <br />possible. In the absence of ongoing public outreach, rumor control can <br />become a problem. <br /> <br />While much attention typically is focused on the economics of elevation, <br />another important aspect is the aesthetics of raising homes as much as 10 <br />to 12 feet. l'\eighborhoods of small homes can suddenly assume the <br />"beach front" look after being elevated. Unless a contractor is experienced at <br />integrating the foundation with the house, the result can be aesthetically <br />displeasing. Old buildings. especially if more than 50 years old, may require <br />special attention and the involvement of the State Historic Preservation Office. <br /> <br />. Provisions need to be made for individuals and families who will be <br />temporarily displaced during renovations, This has been a problem in <br />Belhaven, where 40 percent of the homes are slated for elevation. There is a <br />shortage of rental units in the immediate vicinity, complicating the project. <br />\-\'hile FEf\'lA provides limited financial assistance to cover interim housing <br />expenses, the elevation process can take :years, not months. \\'hen so many <br />houses are involved. <br /> <br />Part Two: Mitigation Success 'Stories <br /> <br />~._-' <br /> <br />~'~"*M~f1"~'*.J~~#':~'_. . <br />".".......... ......7+4.//.. <br /> <br /> <br />The good news is that houses are being elevated in Belhaven, Washington, and <br />Beaufort County, Families who have been flooded four times in three years will <br />have peace of mind when their homes are flood-resistant, Furthermore, neighbor, <br />hoods will remain intact, homeowners will continue paying taxes, and the commu- <br />nity will benefit from continued social cohesion, In the final analysis, however, <br />elevation of residential structures on a large scale may not be a viable, long,term <br />strategy, as noted by the Planning Director, Ciry of Washington, <br /> <br />'Acquisition is clearly more cost-effective than elevating, The logistics and <br />manpower that are required [to elevate] is a major issue to deal with, particu- <br />larly when sites are dispersed and skilled labor is limited, .. <br />- Bobby Roberson, March 6, 1999 <br />