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Hazard Mitigation

What is Mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from hazard events. MEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Branch collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners before, during, and after disaster events to identify, craft, and implement comprehensive hazard mitigation strategies. The Branch's primary tool is FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Through administration of HMA programs we support local jurisdiction mitigation planning, outreach and awareness, and construction projects.


FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Programs

For a detailed listing of eligible activities please visit the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Mitigation Activity Chart page.
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): The key purpose of HMGP is to ensure that the opportunity to take mitigation measures is not lost during reconstruction following a disaster.  Funding is made available following authorization of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.
  • Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities: The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. It provides an opportunity to implement mitigation prior to a disaster. BRIC is an annual, nationally competitive program and funding is based on the previous year's nationwide disaster expenses.
  • Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): Only mitigation activities related to flooding hazards are eligible under this program. FMA grants are funded annually by Congressional appropriations from the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF) and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis.

​2021 State Hazard Mitigation Plan

The State of Maryland's Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently being updated for approval in 2021.  Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters.  The State will conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify natural hazards and associated risks and vulnerabilities.  A set of mitigation actions will be developed into a comprehensive strategy in order to develop long-term solutions to increase the resilience of the State.  Learn more and participate in the planning process by visiting our virtual open house.


Events and Deadlines

  • November 20, 2020: FY19 BRIC/FMA subapplications due to MEMA
  • January 29, 2021: MEMA must submit FY19 State BRIC/FMA Application to FEMA


Local Plans and Projects


Application Process

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Step 1: Notice of Interest

 
​Eligible subapplicants submit a Notice of Interest (NOI) form to mitigation.mema@maryland.gov.  MEMA will review the NOI for project viability and program applicability.  Property owners and businesses may not apply independently for an HMA grant; they must be sponsored by an eligible subapplicant.
 
Eligible Subapplicants Chart
 
eligible subapplicants grant.png
 
 
Note: Chart adapted from the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance

    Step 2: Preliminary Consultation

     

    MEMA will consult with subapplicants regarding NOIs selected.  This may include project design, site visits, and preliminary environmental and historic preservation consultations.

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    Step 3: Subapplicant Package

     

    Once notified by MEMA, subapplicants will develop a complete HMA Subapplication package. The principal components of the HMA Subapplication are the scope of work, budget, schedule, and Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA). The following may be required to be submitted: cost estimates, photographs, maps, property information, insurance documentation, deed restriction language, etc. It is the responsibility of the subapplicant to complete the HMA Subapplication package. MEMA is able to provide technical assistance. The BRIC and FMA subapplications are entered through FEAM GO https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go​. The HMGP subapplication is available by request from MEMA.

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    Step 4: MEMA Review

     

    ​MEMA will perform a review of the submitted HMA Subapplication package.  Additionally, the package will be reviewed and ranked by the Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC), a State Interagency Review Committee.  The MAC will provide a recommendation for submission to FEMA.

    Step 5: FEMA Review

     

    ​Upon the HMA Subapplication package being submitted to FEMA a review for eligibility, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with applicable Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) policies, laws, and regulations will be conducted.  FEMA will notify MEMA of successful grant awards.

    Helpful Links

     
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