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
- 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