FEMA’s Public Assistance Program Strives to Prevent Further Disaster Damages
One of the ongoing priorities of FEMA’s Public Assistance program is to find ways to implement measures that will prevent repeat damages to structures that are damaged in major disasters. Through the use of its 406 Mitigation* program, FEMA has been able to do just that.
In the winter to spring of 2006, northern California experienced a series of floods that caused over $178 million in damages. Through active education and outreach to Public Assistance applicants, FEMA Region 9 has been able to include mitigation measures in 24% of all projects written for these storms, making these structures stronger and more storm resistant than they were before.
All eligible Public Assistance applicants automatically qualify for the 406 Hazard Mitigation program. In order to receive mitigation funding, the applicant must first prepare a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP). This HMP is then reviewed for cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and environmental and historical compliance. Examples of mitigation measures include:
- Relocation of facilities from hazardous locations
- Rock slope protection
- Protection from high winds
- Flood proofing of buildings, bridges and culverts
- Seismic protection
- Protection of utilities
Region 9 staff intends to continue working with all eligible applicants in order to identify further mitigation opportunities. Prevention is one of our greatest allies in preparing for future disaster events.
* 406 Mitigation refers to Section 406 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This section provides FEMA the authority to fund the restoration of eligible facilities which have sustained damage due to a Presidential declared disaster. Within the enabling act, Section 406 also contains a provision for the consideration of funding additional measures that will enhance a facility's ability to resist similar damage in future events.
For additional examples of hazard mitigation projects, please visit:
http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9526_1ap.shtm
Last Modified: Monday, 05-Mar-2007 15:54:27 EST