An information session was held in Mathews last week on a new round of FEMA hazard mitigation grants that the county is applying for. About a dozen people attended.

Mathews Planning and Zoning Director John Shaw explained to those present that the federal grants, if awarded, would be for residential or commercial property owners who are interested in elevating structures in flood-prone areas. While the grants may also be used to purchase such properties, he said, the board of supervisors has decided not to offer to buy any properties during the current round of grant funding.

Structures awarded funding will be elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation as determined by mapping, said Shaw. Anyone who wants to elevate a home or business higher will have to pay out-of-pocket for the extra height.

Property owners must pay a match of 5 percent of the cost of the project, said Shaw, with the federal government paying 75 percent and the state government expected to chip in 20 perc...