Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Eligible applicants are state and local governments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and certain nonprofit organizations. Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however, a community may apply on their behalf.

HMGP funds may be used to fund projects that will reduce or eliminate the 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, such as certain ring levees and floodwall systems, that are designed specifically to protect critical facilities
Post-disaster building code related activities that support building code officials during the reconstruction process From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

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. From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

There are five issues you must consider when determining the eligibility of a proposed project.
Does your project conform to your State's Hazard Mitigation Plan?
Does your project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area? i.e. the State
Does your application meet the environmental requirements? FEMA Environmental Program Site
Does your project solve a problem independently?
Is your project cost-effective? From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

The amount of funding available for the HMGP under a particular disaster declaration is limited. The program may provide a State with up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA. States that meet higher mitigation planning criteria may qualify for 20 percent under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
FEMA can fund up to 75% of the eligible costs of each project. The State or 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. From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

Following a disaster declaration, the State will advertise that HMGP funding is available to fund mitigation projects in the State. Those interested in applying to the HMGP should contact their local government to begin the application process. Local governments should go (link to HMGP page)

After a disaster occurs the State will set a deadline for application submittal. For specific application dates go to (link to HMGP page).

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. From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

Acquisition projects funded under the HMGP are voluntary and you are under no obligation to sell your home. Communities consider other options when preparing projects, but it may be determined by State and local officials that the most effective mitigation measure in a location is the acquisition of properties and the removal of residents and structures from the hazard area. Despite the effectiveness of property acquisitions, it may not make you or your family whole again. Acquisition projects are based on the principle of fair compensation for property. Property acquisitions present owners with an opportunity to recoup a large part of their investment in property that probably has lost some, if not most of its value due to damage. But, it will not compensate you or your family for your entire emotional and financial loss. From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm

The HMGP is administered by the State, which 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. Although individuals may not apply directly to the State for assistance, local governments may sponsor an application on their behalf. Funding for the grant program is limited and States and local communities must make difficult decisions as to the most effective use of available grant funds. From: http://www.fema.gov/fima/hmgp/faqs.shtm