If you haven’t heard already, FEMA announced on Monday, October 1, 2018, that the application period for more than $395 million in hazard mitigation grants is now open. That’s right. There’s over $235M currently available through the Agency’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant Program, and another $160M available through its Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program.

But, in order to be eligible, state, local, tribal and territorial governments must submit their application before 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Jan. 3, 2019. You can do so at: https://portal.fema.gov.

PDM Grants
PDM grants, as explained by FEMA, are awarded for all-hazard mitigation planning and projects, such as the construction of community and residential safe rooms and wind retrofits. Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants help state, local, tribal and territorial governments build resiliency through measures that reduce risk to lives and property. For fiscal year 2018, $235.2 million is available.

Here’s the breakdown on the $235.2 million in PDM grants:

  • States, tribes, territories and the District of Columbia may apply for the statutory allocation of up to $575,000 federal share.
  • The remainder of funds will be awarded on a competitive basis for priorities,  including advance assistance, resilient infrastructure projects, and initiatives that incorporate multiple states or tribes.
  • There is $15 million is set aside for federally-recognized tribes.

FMA Grants
FMA grants, on the other hand, are available to implement measures to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For fiscal year 2018, $160 million is available, including $70 million for community flood mitigation activities that address flooding on a neighborhood level, such as floodwater diversion and localized flood-control measures. The remainder of funds will be used for mitigating planning, technical assistance and mitigating repetitive loss structures, which include elevation, acquisition, and relocation projects.

To help governments along with the application process, FEMA has created a number of online resources, including fact sheets, benefit cost analysis guidance, and job aids, are available. You’ll find them here.

Don’t let the deadline to apply for these mitigation grants sneak up on you. Again, it’s 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Jan. 3, 2019. After all, these precious federal dollars can go a long way toward making your state, local, tribal or territorial government better prepared, and ultimately more resilient in the years ahead.