The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a state administered federal program (Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act).
This program is intended to help state and local governments carry out long-range mitigation projects following a major disaster declaration.
State and local governments, certain private and nonprofit organizations or institutions, Indian tribes or authorized tribal organizations are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grants.
The amount of funding for the HMGP is determined by calculating 15% of FEMA's costs for the other disaster assistance programs implemented as a result of the disaster. As for individual projects, FEMA can contribute up to 75% of the project's costs. The remaining 25% must come from non-federal sources.
The HMGP can be used to fund projects to protect either public or private property. Examples include: acquisition and relocation of structures from hazard prone areas, construction of tornado shelters in public facilities or schools, and flood protection of critical facilities.
The state must submit a letter of intent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency within 60 days of the disaster declaration. This means communities interested in mitigation opportunities should contact the state mitigation office as soon as possible after a disaster, so that opportunities to do are not lost during the recovery period.
Although priority is generally given to the area affected by the recent disaster, eligible applicants from other communities may also apply.
To be eligible for HMGP funding, a project must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Provide beneficial impact to the area.
- Conform with environmental regulations.
- Be cost-effective.
- Solve a problem independently or be part of a larger project that offers a solution.
- Conform with the mitigation priorities established in the Kansas Hazard Mitigation Strategy.
Applicants should coordinate with Charlie McGonigle, the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at (785) 274-1421.
