Front Side Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Questions & Answers A post-disaster program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administered by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) [Massachusetts DCR seal] [Massachusetts state seal] For more information on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and other mitigation programs within Massachusetts contact: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency 400 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01702 Mitigation Grants Manager Telephone 508-820-1445 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 251 Causeway Street, 8th Floor Boston, MA 02114 State Hazard Mitigation Officer Telephone 617-626-1406 www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/mitigate [FEMA seal] Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I Federal Insurance & Mitigation Division 99 High Street, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02110 Telephone 617-832-4761 www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp How are potential projects selected? Eligible projects must be consistent with FEMA-approved local, regional and state hazard mitigation plans, while meeting minimum criteria.   Priority is given to cost-effective, environmentally sensitive projects with the greatest potential to reduce future damages and losses. The State Hazard Mitigation Team reviews and prioritizes projects in order to make recommendations to FEMA. [Photo of men looking at a bridge] FEMA Photo How is the amount of available funding determined? The pool of HMGP money available to a state following a presidential disaster declaration is a percentage of the total spent through FEMA Public and Individual Assistance programs. [Photo of people at a meeting] When can we apply? Applications for hazard mitigation projects are encouraged soon after a disaster occurs so that mitigation opportunities are not lost during recovery. Following a presidential disaster declaration, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) informs local officials of availability and the HMGP application process. The state may host several open information sessions at that time for communities, non-profit organizations, and other eligible groups. Back side What is Hazard Mitigation? [Photo of water running through a culvert] Hazard mitigation is any action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. Mitigation breaks the cycle of damage and loss by utilizing sound engineering methods and effective planning. Money spent on mitigation today can save thousands in recovery and construction costs in the long-term. Well-planned mitigation projects are cost effective, environmentally sound and historically sensitive. Local officials are encouraged to build partnerships among individuals, businesses, community organizations and with adjacent municipalities to identify and apply mitigation. All parties plan together to minimize losses and prevent damage when natural disasters occur. This type of long-term planning and disaster readiness tends to enhance property values and attract new businesses and residents. [photo of elevated house] What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)? The Hazard Mitigation Grant program (HMGP) was established in 1992 through Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. Through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides technical assistance and up to 75% of the total project cost for qualifying mitigation projects after a presidential disaster declaration. The project applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% match either directly or by using approved state, local or private funding sources and/or in-kind donations of labor and materials. Who is eligible to apply? Eligible HMGP applicants are: * Local governments and agencies * State and regional agencies * Certain non profit organizations * Federally recognized Native American tribal organizations What types of projects are funded? HMGP grants are used to fund projects protecting either public or private property. Examples of projects include: * Retrofitting structures, such as floodproofing or seismic reinforce-ments. * Acquisition and relocation of residential homes from disaster-prone areas. * Drainage improvements that reduce flood damage. * Technical assistance to help develop state or local standards to protect new and substantially improved structures. [Photo of injured person being evacuated from a building] Photo Courtesy of William A. Lannon What are the HMGP Objectives? * To prevent future loss of lives and property due to natural disasters. * To implement state or local hazard mitigation strategies. * To enable mitigation to be implemented as soon as possible following a disaster. * To provide funding for previously identified mitigation measures. A related program… FEMA Public Assistance (406) The FEMA Public Assistance Program authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act also funds hazard mitigation projects after presidential disaster declarations. Application of these 406 funds is limited to public facilities damaged within a federally declared disaster area. Repairs may be upgraded to incorpor-ate hazard mitigation measures, if these are cost-effective or required by building codes. Such improvements can be identified by FEMA, the state, or the local applicant. This program can be an efficient method of financing mitigation applied to existing damage on public buildings and infrastructure.