Did you know that in 2020 alone, FEMA obligated more than $884 million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants? Among the many recipients were states, local communities, tribes, and territorial governments just like yours. Incredibly, the funds will support 1,884 projects that will reduce risk from natural hazards, thereby saving lives and reducing property damage. 

Topping out the list of hazard mitigation projects in 2020 were: 

  1. Acquisitions – $150 million, 209 projects
  2. Flood Control – $115 million, 171 projects
  3. Utility and Infrastructure Protection – $108 million, 90 projects
  4. Elevations – $79 million, 78 projects
  5. Wind Retrofit – $70 million, 66 projects

FEMA-supported projects such as these can significantly enhance your community’s, and ultimately, our nation’s resilience to disasters. All you have to do is apply through the HMA’s five grant programs: 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – Assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation planning and projects following a Presidential major disaster declaration.

HMGP Post Fire Grant – Assistance available to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures after wildfire disasters. 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program – Provides funds for planning and projects to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured annually under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) – Support for states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program – Provides funds annually for hazard mitigation planning and projects. 

Just remember, to qualify for certain hazard mitigation funds, your state, local community, tribe or territory must have a current, FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. Additionally, these plans must be updated every five years to remain eligible.

This information is brought to you as a courtesy of BOLDplanning Inc. The company specializes in hazard mitigation planning, as well as emergency and continuity planning. Visit https://www.boldplanning.com to learn more now.