This page contains information for anyone with an interest in learning about Mitigation in Region 10. The page includes links to state partner resources and details about Mitigation programs.
Welcome from Mark Carey, Region X Mitigation Division Director
Operationally, and to best accomplish its mission, the division is comprised of three major components: Risk Analysis, Floodplain Management and Insurance, Hazard Mitigation, and the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Program.The Region X Mitigation Division strives to create safer communities by reducing the risks to loss of life and property. Mitigation measures enable individuals to recover more quickly from floods and other disasters and lessen the financial impact of disasters on the nation.
Risk Analysis Branch
Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (RiskMAP)
Through the Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning Program, FEMA works with federal, state, tribal and local partners across the region to identify risk and help reduce that risk. RiskMAP provides high quality flood maps and information, tools to better assess the risk from flooding and other hazards, and planning and outreach support to help communities take action to reduce flood risk.
To find out more about RiskMAP in your state:
The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify policies and actions that can be implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses. Mitigation Plans form the foundation for a community's long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.
There area variety of resources available to support local and tribal communities in mitigation planning:
- Tribal Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance is specific to tribal governments developing or updating tribal mitigation plans. It covers all aspects of tribal planning requirements and the steps to developing tribal mitigation plans.
- Region 10 Integrating Natural Hazard Mitigation into Comprehensive Planning is specific to Region 10 states and provides examples of how communities are integrating natural hazard mitigation strategies into comprehensive planning.
Hazus
Hazus is a nationally applicable standardized methodology that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Hazus uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to estimate physical, economic and social impacts of disasters.
Region 10 coordinates the Northwest Hazus Users Group (NWHUG) whose mission is to develop, collaborate, and coordinate with public, private, and educational organizations on HAZUS data, analysis, and products which will be used to better understand hazards and their impact to communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Earthquake Program
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) leads the federal government’s efforts to reduce the fatalities, injuries and property losses caused by earthquakes. Region X and States implement NEHRP through earthquake-related training, outreach, and integration with exercise, mitigation, and response planning. In addition, Region X supports engagement with businesses in preparedness and mitigation activities through the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup. The Region X earthquake program is an active partner in NOAA’s National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, a coordinated national effort to assess tsunami threat, prepare community response, issue timely and effective warnings, and mitigate damage.
National Dam Safety Program
For 30 years, the federal government has been working to protect Americans from dam failure through the National Dam Safety Program. The program, which is led by FEMA, is a partnership of states, federal agencies and other stakeholders to encourage individual and community responsibility for dam safety. The National Dam Safety Program is an investment in preventing dam failures and reducing the impacts on lives and property that may be at risk from a dam failure.
- Alaska Dam Safety Program
- Idaho Dam Safety Program
- Oregon Dam Safety Program
- Washington Dam Safety Program
Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch
The Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch administers the floodplain management and insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These programs focus on state and local building codes and zoning regulations to assure that new development and substantial improvements located in a floodplain are constructed to prevent or minimize future flood damage. Under the insurance part of the program, this office provides oversight of flood insurance training programs and outreach efforts for insurance agents, lenders and property owners throughout the region. The following program areas are within the Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch:
A separate page for information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is available.
Hazard Mitigation Branch
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages.
Currently, there are three programs:
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster.
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and projects on an annual basis.
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) provides funds for projects to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on an annual basis.
State & Tribal Hazard Mitigation Officers
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMAs) Mitigation Grant Programs are provided to eligible applicant States/Tribes/Territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.
Region 10 State Mitigation Pages:
- Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management - Mitigation
- Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security - Hazard Mitigation
- Oregon Office of Emergency Management - Mitigation & Recovery Services
- Washington Emergency Management Division - Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Program
The Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) program integrates the protection and enhancement of environmental, historic, and cultural resources into FEMA's mission, programs and activities. It ensures that FEMA's activities including facility management, its Public and Individual Assistance programs, and all Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness grants comply with federal environmental and historic preservation laws and executive orders. EHP also provides environmental and historic preservation technical assistance to FEMA staff, local, state and federal partners.
Currently, Region X is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with federal, state and local partners. The purpose of the Southern Flow Corridor EIS project in Tillamook County, Oregon is to reduce flood damage and restore habitat in the Tillamook Bay estuary.
Helpful Links
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is an independent federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of our nation's historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.
Council on Environmental Quality
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & National Marine Fisheries Service
The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA-Fisheries in the Department of Commerce share responsibility for administration of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have issued internal guidance and national policies to promote efficiency and nationwide consistency in implementing the ESA to conserve and recover listed endangered species of plants and animals native to the United States and its territories.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Department of the Army Regulatory Program is one of the oldest in the Federal Government. Initially it served a fairly simple, straightforward purpose: to protect and maintain the navigable capacity of the nation's waters. Time, changing public needs, evolving policy, case law, and new statutory mandates have changed the complexion of the program, adding to its breadth, complexity, and authority.
Executive Orders 11988/11990:
Executive Orders 11988/11990 require federal agencies to avoid to the extent possible the long and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of flood plains and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. Protection of wetlands is also mandated. In accomplishing this objective, "each agency shall provide leadership and shall take action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health, and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by flood plains in carrying out its responsibilities" for the following actions:
- acquiring, managing, and disposing of federal lands and facilities;
- providing federally-undertaken, financed, or assisted construction and improvements;
- conducting federal activities and programs affecting land use, including but not limited to water and related land resources planning, regulation, and licensing activities.