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FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs

Jim Russell

State Hazard Mitigation Grants Coordinating Officer

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)

Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC)

Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

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HMGPHazard Mitigation Grant Program

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Applicable References• The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

of 1988, as amended• Hazard Mitigation & Relocation Assistance Act of 1993• The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000• 44 CFR• National Environmental Policy Act• Executive Orders 11988, 11990, 12612, and 12898• Single Audit Act of 1984 and Amendments of 1996• Freedom of Information Act• OMB Circulars A-94, A-102 & A-133 and 2 CFR Parts 215, 220, 225

& 230• FEMA Policy & Guidance• Iowa Code Chapter 29C & Iowa Administrative Code

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HMGP DefinedAuthorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act,FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program providesfunding for mitigation projects following a Presidentialdisaster declaration. HMGP, also known as 404Mitigation, is administered by Iowa’s HSEMDMitigation Section, which serves as Grantee andpasses federal grant awards by way of sub-grants tosuccessful local applicants to complete approvedmitigation projects.

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Mitigation in the Disaster Cycle• Although HMGP is not available until after a disaster occurs, it

funds projects that look ahead to prevent or lessen (or mitigate against) damages caused by future natural disasters. HMGP assumes that pre-disaster investments will significantly reduce the demand for post-disaster assistance by lessening the need for emergency response, repair, recovery and reconstruction. Mitigation aims to disrupt the repetitive disaster cycle.

• HMGP does not fund projects to help people or entities recover from the declared disaster that just occurred –FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs and other agencies help fund those response and recovery efforts.

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Mitigation Defined

Mitigation is any sustained action takento reduce or eliminate loss of life orproperty from the effects of naturalhazards.

FEMA funds mitigation projects underboth 404 and 406 sections of theStafford Act.

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404 v. 406 PA’s 406 Mitigation

• Authorized under Section 406 of Stafford Act as part of the Public Assistance program

• Funds improvements to damaged elements of public facilities whose repairs are funded by PA

• Funding Guidance RR 9526.1 - all eligible 406 mitigation projects are funded

• Funded at PA cost share (90/10 federal-local cost share for DR-1763)

HMGP- 404 Mitigation• Unlike PA & 406 Mitigation,

HMGP is not limited to public facilities damaged during the declared disaster

• Competitive statewide –funding is not guaranteed because the total available funds are limited by law

• Projects are selected and funded according to State and local priorities, as defined in multi-hazard mitigation plans

• 75/25 non-federal cost share(10% State/15% Local)

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HMGP Funding Amount• Total HMGP funds available are based on the total

estimated federal assistance made under Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance programs for the disaster (less associated administrative costs)

• Total HMGP funding available shall not exceed 20% of the total estimated Federal assistance for states with an approved Enhanced State Mitigation Plan – Iowa is an enhanced plan state

• Specific funding amounts are determined at– 3 months (estimate) $244 Million total– 6 months (minimum)– 12 months (final)

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HMGP Funding Set-Asides

• 5% Funds – The State may choose to set aside five percent of total HMGP funds available for mitigation projects whose cost effectiveness is difficult to evaluate against traditional program cost-effectiveness and eligibility criteria

• 7% Funds - The State may choose to set aside seven percent of total HMGP funds available for the development or updates of State, local, or tribal hazard mitigation plans

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HMGP Project Types• Acquisition and demolition of flood-prone structures• Elevation or relocation of structures and utilities to or above

current floodplain ordinance standards• Flood-proofing of non-residential properties• Small storm drainage projects for minor local flood control• Retrofitting of structures to improve wind resistance• Community safe rooms for wind events• Development or updating of Local Hazard Mitigation Plans• Implementation or improvement of warning systems (e.g.,

sirens)• Generators for critical facilities

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State HMGP Priorities• Following each declared disaster, the State sets mitigation

priorities in accordance with the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, considering the disaster event and anticipated level of funding

• Typical priorities– Acquisition/demolition of residential structures in SFHA– Tornado safe rooms– Relocation of residential structures to area outside SFHA– Retrofitting of critical public facilities– Local plan development or updates

• For DR-1763, acquisition/demolition is the primary priority. Other projects will be considered after all eligible acquisitions have been funded.

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HMGP Applicant Eligibility

• State and local governments, Indian tribalnations or authorized tribal organizations, andcertain private non-profits (as defined in 44 CFR

206.221e)

• NFIP Participating Community in good standing,if the project is located in an SFHA

• Have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation planor have participated in the development of anapproved plan

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HMGP Project Eligibility

• Conform to both the State and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans

• Provide beneficial impact upon designated disaster area

• Be compliant with all applicable regulations and laws, including 44 CFR Parts 9 and 10

• Solve a problem independently or constitute a functional portion of a long-term solution

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HMGP Project Eligibility, cont.

• Be cost effective

• Provide a long-term solution that substantially reducesthe risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or sufferingthat results from a major disaster

• Be technically feasible

• Meet all applicable codes and standards

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Ineligible HMGP Projects

• Projects in Progress• Retrofitting places of worship (or other projects that

solely benefit religious organizations)• Generally, capital improvements or new construction,

except for the construction of new community safe rooms

• Large storm drainage or major flood control projects• Purchase of stand-alone equipment or land• Engineering studies not directly related to the

implementation of a proposed project

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Typical Eligible HMGP Costs• Design & engineering• Permits• Demolition & debris removal• Construction• Utilities (disconnect/reconnect or retrofitting)• Soil stabilization• Surveys & Inspections• Appraisals, legal fees & closing costs for acquisition

projects• Direct project management costs

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Benefit Cost Analysis• Project benefits > Project costs = Cost Effective

• Using FEMA’s Benefit-Cost software (version 3.0 or 4.0), HMGP projects must have a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.0 or higher

• Certain projects are exempt from BCA– Acquisitions of substantially damaged structures in the special

flood hazard area– Generators– Warning systems– Planning grants

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HMGP Cost Share

• FEMA will fund up to 75% of total eligible project costs• Typically, Iowa will fund 10% of total eligible project

costs• Local applicants must commit to funding a minimum of

15% of total eligible project costs• Typical sources of the non-federal cost share:

– Cash/general fund– In-kind contributions– Private donations– Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)– SBA loans

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HMGP Funding Process• The State publishes a Notice of Funds Availability,

outlining its priorities and application process and setting a deadline for Notices of Interest

• Interested entities submit Notices of Interest to the State by the established deadline

• The State screens submissions for applicant eligibility and invites eligible applicants to submit a project application

• Interested entities prepare and submit project applications by or before the established deadline

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HMGP Funding Process, cont.• The State reviews submitted applications and ranks

them according to State priorities and 44 CFR criteria

• The State submits reviewed and ranked projectapplications with recommendations for funding to FEMAfor final eligibility review and funding determination

• FEMA provides notice of grant award for eligible projectapplications to the State

• The State meets with successful sub-grantees to executethe grant agreement and discuss grant requirements,project management & required reporting, and close-out.

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HMGP Technical Assistance• State Mitigation Staff is available to provide technical

assistance to sub-applicants at any point during the HMGP funding process to help with:

• Identifying potential mitigation projects

• Developing an eligible project budget or scope of work

• Identifying required documentation

• Assist in performing benefit-cost analyses

• Upon receipt of Notices of Interest, sub-applicants are assigned a State Mitigation Project Officer.

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Property Acquisition Proposals

• Community Proposals (Notice of Interest)– 38 Communities– 2,600 Properties– $255,245,000

• Application development began early October.

• Best estimate for eligible applications: 1300 properties, $125 million

• Public Assistance – Lead on Demolition• HMGP will likely be opened to other

mitigation Projects

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IOWACOMMONLY FUNDED PROJECT TYPES

• Tornado Safe Rooms• Acquisition and demolition of residential structures located in special flood hazard areas (usually identified floodplains) • Structural relocation of residential properties to areas outside of the floodplain.• Projects which provide protection for “critical”public facilities or functions.• Local Mitigation Plan development or update.

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Iowa State Fair Ground Tornado Safe Room (HMGP)

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Ventura Safe Room – Community Center (HMGP)

28Clear Lake Safe Room (HMGP)

29School Safe Room - Missouri

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Elkport – Flood Acquisition (HMGP)

High Water Mark

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High Water Mark

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Elkport after HMGP Acquisition Project

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Burlington Water Plant Flood Wall -June 21 (HMGP)

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Flood Wall – Cedar Falls Utilities (PDM)

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Flood Wall – Cedar Falls Utilities (PDM)

37Sometimes we just have to say No!

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John Wageman: State Hazard Mitigation Officerjohn.wageman@iowa.gov

Mitigation Project Officer - Leads: Jim Russell jim.russell@iowa.govLinda Roose linda.roose@iowa.gov

IOWA HAZARD MITIGATION STAFF