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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.
  • Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM): Funds are intended to assist states and local communities with emergency preparedness and disaster planning activities.   It provides opportunities for raising public awareness about reducing future losses before disaster strikes. PDM grants are funded annually by Congressional appropriations and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis.
  • 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.   
  

Events and Deadlines   

  • September 23: Quarterly Subrecipient and Subapplicant Webinar
  • October 15: Quarterly Reports Due
  • November 15: Subapplications Due for FY19 Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Flood Mitigation Assistance
  • January 15: Quarterly Reports Due
  • April 15: Quarterly Reports Due
  • July 15: Quarterly Reports Due
 
 

Our Project Highlights​ 

 

Application Process​

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 principle components of the HMA Subapplication are the scope of work, budget, schedule, and Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA).  In addition to MEMA’s universal HMA Subapplication 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.  

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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.

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