Notice of Availability of Grant Opportunity - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (DR-1720-OH)
Overview
HMGP funds are being made available statewide after this Presidential disaster declaration. However, it is both long-standing policy and incorporated into our federally required Administrative Plan that preference is given to those project applications that are from the declared counties. For this event those counties include: Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot Counties. However, this does not preclude any eligible applicant statewide from completing a pre-application. Eligible applicants are state/local units of governments and certain eligible non-profits. Eligibility criteria for HMGP activities are outlined in 44 Code of Federal Regulations Section 434. In summary they include:
- Project must be for an eligible activity. Eligible flood mitigation activities include, but are not limited to, acquisition/demolition, elevation, retrofitting, relocation and potentially some storm water management measures. For wind mitigation, these include the construction of tornado/high wind safe rooms.
- Applicant must have an approved hazard mitigation plan at the time of awarding of HMGP funds. Also, the project must address a goal, objective, or action item in the applicant’s hazard mitigation plan.
- Applicant must participate in and be in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program. This is a community's day-to-day flood hazard mitigation program.
- The project must be environmental cleared and cost effective.
- HMGP projects are 75% Federal 25% non-Federal cost share.
Please see the PowerPoint presentation that was given at the applicant briefings in the declared counties. The material in this presentation gives a good overview of HMGP and the application process. Also, additional information on HMGP can be found through the following web link: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm
Next Steps
The next step in applying for HMGP funding through DR-1720 is by submitting the pre-application which is due to our office by no later than 5:00 PM October 12, 2007. The pre-application form is a simple, three page document that can be electronically filled out and either mailed, e-mailed, or Faxed to the Mitigation Branch. We will confirm receipt of the pre-application. After that, the State Hazard Mitigation Team will meet and select those pre-applications to proceed to full application development. You will be notified of your selection or non-selection. There will be a three to six months time period for full application development. After full applications are developed, they are submitted to our office for processing which includes environmental and cost-effectiveness reviews. Please note that even though you may be selected to develop and submit a full project application, the application is not and can not be approved until it meets minimum eligibility requirements including
cost-effectiveness. Then, selected applications are submitted to FEMA for final project approval. We are hopeful that projects can be awarded approximately 12 months from the date of the declaration.
Conclusion
Many of you have spent time and resources developing local hazard mitigation plans - this is one of many opportunities for trying to put those plans into action. As always, the staff in the Mitigation Branch is available to answer any of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact the branch at 614-889-7153.
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