The purpose of this site is to provide policy information for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs including current HMA policies, as well as policies of other Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration divisions that affect HMA funding.
For more information on basic program elements, please reference the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Digest.
To get information on archived policies, please contact us at FEMA-HMA-Grants-Policy@fema.dhs.gov.
If you are interested in applying for a Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant, please contact the Hazard Mitigation Assistance helpline by telephone 866-222-3580 or email FEMA-HMA-Grants-Policy@fema.dhs.gov for more information.
Current HMA Policy Publications
COST EFFECTIVENESS
FEMA Policy FP-108-024-01 Consideration of Environmental Benefits in the Evaluation of Acquisition Projects under the Hazard Mitigation Programs 6/18/2013
Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Sea Level Rise Frequently Asked Questions 12/23/13
DISASTER SPECIFIC POLICY
Pilot Activity for Hurricane Sandy Presidential Major Disaster Declarations
The purpose of this policy is to describe a pilot mitigation activity which will assist in the recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. This policy is applicable for all HMGP Grants made available for Hurricane Sandy Presidential major disaster declarations.
- Elevated Foundation System 03/18/2013
Based on unique circumstances after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, several disaster specific policies were provided. Many of these policies respond to legislative changes.
- Floodplain Management Ordinances. Provides Guidance on eligibility of costs for compliance with local floodplain management ordinances. 4/13/2007
- DHS Response to SMART Response Act 1/30/2008
- Louisiana Flood Recovery Guidance for Reconstruction 2/1/2008
- Non-federal cost share changes to HMGP for Hurricane Katrina Declarations DR-1602-FL, 1603-LA, 1604-MS and 1605-AL 10/4/2010
Based on unique circumstances in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Circulars granted a waiver to FEMA from OMB Circular A-87 pertaining to pre-award costs to allow for approval of costs incurred prior to award of HMGP funds.
- Eligibility Criteria for Limited Exception for Retroactive Approvals under HMGP for Louisiana and Mississippi 1/15/2008
- Eligibility Criteria for Deadline Removal from Limited Exception for Retroactive Approvals under the HMGP for DR-1603-LA, 1607-LA and 1604-MS 1/31/2012
FLOOD MITIGATION POLICY
- FEMA Policy 203-074-1, Minimum Design Standards for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Projects in Flood Hazard Areas 4/21/2014
- FEMA Policy 302-405-164-1 Limits on Subsurface Uses of Hazard Mitigation Assistance Acquired Lands 5/5/2014
- FEMA Policy 204-078-112-1 Eligibility of Flood Risk Reduction Measures under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs June 27, 2014
- Duplication of Programs and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Frequently Asked Questions Accompanying FP 204-078-112-1
HMA-Related Policy Publications
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The following policies set forth requirements for environmental planning and historic preservation review of HMA projects:
- Issuance and of Advisory Flood Elevations the Implementation of FEMA Assistance - 12/18/2013
- Other Agency Clearance for Environmental Assessments - 12/8/2013
- Guidelines for Complying with 44 CFR 9 and EO 11988 (Floodplain Management) in Coastal High Hazard Areas on the Gulf Coast - 12/18/2013
RISK INSURANCE
The National Flood Insurance Program provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage to assist with paying for the cost of complying with state or local floodplain management laws or ordinances. The terms of ICC assistance are addressed in the following policies.
- Waiver of Two Year Limit for ICC - 3/14/2006
- Assignment of ICC - 1/16/2007