MSD seeks FEMA flood-mitigation grant funding—public notice posted July 2

Louisville MSD posted a public notice dated July 2, 2026, saying it has applied for FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program funding through Kentucky Emergency Management and Homeland Security (KYEM/HS) as a sub-recipient.

MSD says the notice reflects required federal environmental and floodplain planning steps and is the public’s chance to weigh in as the project is reviewed. All comments are due within 30 days of the notice. MSD directs residents to email comments (or requests for additional information or a copy of the findings) to Lori Rafferty with Louisville MSD at Lori.Rafferty@LouisvilleMSD.org.

What MSD is asking for in the listed 2026 areas

The notice lists three project titles/areas: 2026 – Elba Drive, 2026 – Bridget Drive, and 2026 – Ohio River.

For the floodplain context, MSD says the proposed work is for the demolition of one residential structure located in flood zone AE (described as the 1% annual chance floodplain). MSD says SFHA confirmation was made by reference to the latest Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and that the proposed work conforms to applicable Kentucky and local floodplain regulations.

In a separate “Proposed Work and Purpose” section, MSD says it is requesting funds for the purchase and demolition of one residential structure—and states the project purpose is to remove six (6) flood prone structures from the floodplain. The notice does not explain how those two descriptions connect.

What FMA generally funds (so you can read the notice)

In general terms, FEMA’s FMA program supports flood mitigation planning and implementation—such as elevation, acquisition, or relocation of NFIP-insured structures—to reduce long-term flood risk. It is a pre-disaster program and provides funds yearly on a competitive basis, according to the U.S. EPA and FEMA’s mitigation e-Grant guidance.

Alternatives discussed: “no action” vs. elevation

MSD’s notice includes alternatives analysis.

• No action alternative: If no action is taken, MSD says the property will continue to incur damages from high-intensity storms and flooding. MSD also says the properties are located within the 100-year floodplain and have shown repeated flooding over the past decade, including events smaller than 100-year events.
• Elevation alternative: MSD says elevation was considered, and the notice lists required elevation heights per local freeboard requirements for specific addresses. MSD further says expected elevation costs for the primary structures are expected to exceed their estimated value, and that flood risk would remain for events that exceed the estimated flood heights.

Why this matters for residents

If you live near one of the 2026 areas named in the notice—Elba Drive, Bridget Drive, or the Ohio River project area—the posting shows the kinds of flood-risk reduction projects MSD is exploring in mapped Zone AE properties. The only direct way to respond at this stage is through the 30-day comment window tied to the July 2 notice.

MSD says it will forward comments to applicable regulatory agencies as needed, and that any funding for the proposed project would be conditional on compliance with applicable federal, tribal, state, and local laws and requirements.

Sources

• Louisville MSD public notice (dated July 2, 2026) — MSD applies for FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program funding
• U.S. EPA explainer: Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
• FEMA Mitigation e-Grant system FAQ — what the FMA program is
• 44 CFR Part 77 (Flood Mitigation Grants) — federal program rules