Boston Metro Area Planning Council Receives $224,962 to Assist in Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning
Homeland Security Begins Distribution Of Grant Funds For Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning
Release Date: April 8, 2004
Release Number: R1-04-043
Boston, MA -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced today the release of nearly $26 million in Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive (PDM-C) Grant Program funds to states, territories, and federally recognized tribes for pre-disaster mitigation activities. The grant program is a Presidential initiative, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for pre-disaster mitigation planning and projects primarily addressing natural hazards.
"President Bush recognizes that mitigation is an essential step in reducing the loss of life and property due to natural disasters," said Brown. "States and localities are critical leaders in disaster reduction, and the Department of Homeland Security is committed to providing our partners with the tools they need to be prepared."
The announcement of the PDM-C grant awards made by Under Secretary Brown includes a grant through the Massachusetts Agency (MEMA) to the Boston Metro Area Planning Council. This regional planning agency develops comprehensive plans and recommendations in areas of population and employment, transportation, economic development, regional growth and the environment. The Council also provides technical assistance and advocacy to its member communities.
The fiscal year 2003 budget provided $150 million under the National Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund to initiate a competitive grant program for pre-disaster mitigation activities, and has moved forward since Congress recently reauthorized the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program this past January. The intent of the PDM-C grant program is to provide a consistent source of funding to state, tribal, and local governments for pre-disaster mitigation planning and projects. Funding these plans and projects reduces overall risks to the population and structures, while also reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations.
States, territories, tribes, and local governments submitted over 450 mitigation project and planning sub-applications for consideration under the PDM-C grant program. To select the most cost-effective applications and to fulfill the competitive requirements of the program, all applications were reviewed for their eligibility and completeness, and then ranked and evaluated by a competitive national evaluation panel. The national evaluation process was rigorous in design and implementation, ensuring that all applications competed fairly and that the most cost-effective applications were recommended for selection.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Apr-2004 08:30:19