Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
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Authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) [1] provides grants to States, and States to eligible applicants, to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
Who is eligible to apply? Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is only available to applicants that reside within a Presidentially declared disaster area. Eligible applicants include:
State and local governments Federally Recognized Tribal Nations Certain non-profit organizations (Private non-profits that perform a government function)
As a result of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000: Local Mitigation Plans must be FEMA approved prior to approval of project funds. An applicant may submit an HMGP application, but must have an approved Local Mitigation Plan before the grant is authorized.
Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however a community may apply on their behalf.
What types of projects can be funded by the HMGP?
HMGP funds may be used to fund projects that will reduce or eliminate losses from future disasters. Projects must provide a long-term solution to a problem, for example, elevation of a home to reduce the risk of flood damages as opposed to buying sandbags and pumps to fight the flood. In addition, a project's potential savings must be more than the cost of implementing the project. Funds may be used to protect either public or private property or to purchase property that has been subjected to, or is in danger of, repetitive damage.
Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:
• Acquisition of real property for willing sellers and demolition or relocation of buildings to convert the property to open space use
• Retrofitting structures and facilities to minimize damages from high winds, earthquake, flood, wildfire, or other natural hazards
• Elevation of flood prone structures
• Development and initial implementation of vegetative management programs
• Minor flood control projects that do not duplicate the flood prevention activities of other Federal agencies
• Localized flood control projects that are designed specifically to protect critical facilities
• Post-disaster building code related activities that support building code officials during the reconstruction process
How are potential projects selected and identified?
The State's administrative plan governs how projects are selected for funding. However, proposed projects must meet certain minimum criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that the most cost-effective and appropriate projects are selected for funding. Both the law and the regulations require that the projects are part of an overall mitigation strategy for the disaster area. The State prioritizes and selects project applications developed and submitted by local jurisdictions. The State forwards applications consistent with State mitigation planning objectives to FEMA for eligibility review. Funding for this grant program is limited and States and local communities must make difficult decisions as to the most effective use of grant funds.
What are the minimum project criteria?
There are five issues you must consider when determining the eligibility of a proposed project. 1. Does your project conform to your State's Hazard Mitigation Plan? 2. Does your project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area? i.e. the State 3. Does your application meet the environmental requirements? 4. Does your project solve a problem independently? 5. Is your project cost-effective?
How much money is available in the HMGP?
The amount of funding available for the HMGP under a particular disaster declaration is limited. The program may provide a State with up to 7.5 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA.
FEMA can fund up to 75% of the eligible costs of each project. The sub-grantee must provide a 25% match, which can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources. Funding from other Federal sources cannot be used for the 25% share with one exception. Funding provided to States under the Community Development Block Grant program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development can be used to meet the non-federal share requirement.
How long will it take to get my project approved?
It is important for applicants to understand the approval process. Once eligible projects are selected by the State, they are forwarded to the FEMA Regional Office where they are reviewed to ensure compliance with Federal laws and regulations. One such law is the National Environmental Policy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, which requires FEMA to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of each proposed project. The time required for the environmental review depends on the complexity of the project.
