Hurricane Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding Now Available, Florida Division of Emergency Management Announces

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (the Division) advised  Local Governments, State and Regional Agencies, Indian Tribal Governments, Local Mitigation Strategy Working Groups, and Private Non-Profit Organizations Submitting Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Applications for Hurricane Irma (DR-4337) today, February 5, 2018, that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds are now available as a result of the recent Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Irma (FEMA 4337-DR-FL).

To access the complete notice, click here.

HMGP funding is authorized by Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act. This funding helps communities implement measures to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. The Division encourages all potential applicants to submit applications for projects that address eligible mitigation activities. The amount of HMGP funding available to the state is based on the total federal disaster assistance for the Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Applications are currently being accepted.  The application period will close August 6, 2018.

. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Acquisition or relocation of hazard-prone structures;
• Retrofitting of existing buildings and facilities that will result in increased protection from hazards;
• Elevation of flood-prone structures;
• Infrastructure protection measures;
• Stormwater management improvements;
• Minor structure flood control;
• Flood diversion and storage;
• Aquifer storage and recovery;
• Floodplain and stream restoration;
• Residential and community safe room construction;
• Generators for a critical facility, provided they are cost-effective, contribute to a long-term solution to the problem that they are intended to address, and meet other project eligibility criteria as required by 44 CFR §206.434(c); or generators that are an integral part of a larger eligible project.

Ineligible Activities: The state will not consider funding requests for the following:

• Construction of new facilities (Nevertheless, the cost associated with above-code upgrades to new facilities may be considered);
• Equipment such as emergency pumps, vehicles, and communication devices;
• Stand-alone studies, design, and planning-related activities;
• Tree removal, debris removal, and other forms of maintenance; or
• Projects already in progress (Construction may not begin until the contract between the State and subrecipient is executed and the project has met requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act).