Municipal Participation
Please read below regarding mitigation planning, grants and policy from FEMA.
Municipal participation and plan adoption opens the door for mitigation related grants without creating your own FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Regulations and Guidance
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), creating the framework for state, local, tribal and territorial governments to engage in hazard mitigation planning to receive certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. Requirements and procedures to implement hazard mitigation planning provisions may be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Stafford Act Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201 (44 CFR Part 201).
Since the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Stafford Act, additional laws have been passed that help to shape hazard mitigation policy. These revisions are included in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA) of 2013, the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016.
The following grant programs have an approved and adopted hazard mitigation plan eligibility requirement:
Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program (HHPD)
- Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance and Resources
- High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Awards
Mitigation Planning and Grants
When applying for certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, FEMA requires a hazard mitigation plan. These requirements are part of the laws, regulations and policy surrounding hazard mitigation planning.
Developing hazard mitigation plans help state, tribal and local governments to:
- Increase education and awareness on natural hazards and community vulnerabilities
- Build partnerships with government, organizations, businesses and the public to reduce risk
- Identify long-term strategies for risk reduction with input from stakeholders and the public
- Identify cost-effective mitigation actions that focus resources on the greatest risks areas
- Integrate planning efforts and risk reduction with other community planning efforts
- Align risk reduction with other state, tribal or community objectives
- Communicate priorities to potential funders
Is a Mitigation Plan Required?
The tables below summarize hazard mitigation plan requirements for state, tribal, territorial and local officials that are applying to FEMA for assistance, either directly or through a state as sub-applicants.
Hazard mitigation plans need to be updated and re-submitted for FEMA approval every five years to maintain eligibility.
Enabling Legislation: Stafford Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a State/Tribal Applicant? | Required for a Tribal/Local Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Assistance (IA) | No | No |
| Public Assistance (PA) Categories A and B (e.g., debris removal, emergency protective measures) | No | No |
| Public Assistance (PA) Categories C through G (e.g., repairs to damaged infrastructure, publicly owned buildings) | Yes | No |
| Fire Mitigation Assistance Grants (FMAG) | Yes | No |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Post Fire | Yes | Yes |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) planning grant | Yes+ | No |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project grant | Yes+ | Yes++ |
| Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) planning grant | Yes* | No |
| Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) project grant | Yes* | Yes** |
| Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program | Yes | Yes |
Enabling Legislation: National Flood Insurance Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a State/Tribal Applicant? | Required for a Tribal/Local Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) planning grant | Yes* | No |
| Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) project grant | Yes* | Yes** |
Enabling Legislation: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a Applicant? | Required for a Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant Program | Yes# | Yes# |
NOTES
+ At the time of the Presidential major disaster declaration and at the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds.
++ At the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds for mitigation projects.
* By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the BRIC or FMA award.
** By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of BRIC or FMA grant funds for mitigation projects.
# Mitigation plans must include all dam risk in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance. Dams owned by nonprofit organizations must be located in a jurisdiction with a FEMA-approved local or tribal mitigation plan that includes all dam risks in order to receive funds.