Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Overview:

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following Presidential disaster declarations. Funding is available to implement plans or projects in accordance with State, Tribal, and local priorities.

Unlike the FMA or BRIC programs, HMGP is the only post-disaster mitigation program. Following a disaster declaration, States are allotted 15% of total disaster assistance grants provided by FEMA for HMGP.

Cost Share:

75% (Federal) / 25% (Non-Federal)

DR-4505 Cost Share is 90% (Federal) / 10% (Non-Federal)

Eligible Sub-Applicants:

  • State Agencies
  • Local Governments
  • Tribal Governements
  • Private Non-Profit Organizations

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Allocations for COVID-19 Declarations: On August 5, 2021, FEMA announced every state, tribe, and territory that received a major disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive 4% of those disaster costs to invest in mitigation projects that reduce risks from natural disasters. The incident period for this Program ended May 11, 2023.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - $26,828,651 available statewide. In alignment with the “State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP)” mission statement, the State prioritizes projects that reduce loss of life, and protect natural resources, property, infrastructure, public health, and the economy from natural hazards and climate change impacts through the development of integrated hazard mitigation and climate adaptation projects.

The HMGP provides funds to states, territories, tribal governments, and other communities after a disaster, to reduce or eliminate future risk to lives and property from natural hazards. The intent for funding of hazard mitigation plans and projects is to reduce the need for the reliance on taxpayer-funded federal assistance for disaster recovery. Mitigation also minimizes overall risk to lives and property. State and local governments, tribal organizations, and certain private non-profits may be eligible to apply for funding to cover projects including:

  • Storm-water upgrades
  • Drainage and culvert improvements
  • Property acquisition
  • Slope stabilization
  • Infrastructure protection
  • Seismic and wind retrofits, and
  • Structure elevations
  • Wildfire Mitigation

HMGP funding is available to all communities in the RI that meet the sub-applicant and project eligibility requirements. Federal funding for this grant program is available following a major federal disaster declaration. HMGP funds are available based on a percentage of the total Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. The HMGP is competitive statewide and is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant programs are not intended to fund repair, replacement, or deferred maintenance activities. They are designed to assist sub-applicants in developing long-term, cost-effective improvements that will reduce or eliminate risk of damage to people and property caused by natural hazards. Projects that address operation, deferred or future maintenance, repairs or replacement (without a change in the level of protection provided) of existing structures, facilities, or infrastructure (e.g., dredging, debris removal, replacement of obsolete utility systems, bridges and facility repair/rehabilitation) are not considered eligible mitigation grant activities.