July 8, 2008

ATTENTION:
Local Emergency Managers; State Agency Emergency Managers; Local Units of Government; Michigan Indian Tribes; Public Colleges and/or Universities; Regional Planning Commissions; EMHSD District Coordinators

CONTACTS:
Joel Pepper - (517) 336-2039, Assistant State Hazard Mitigation Officer
Matt Schnepp - (517) 336-2040, State Hazard Mitigation Officer

WHAT:
The combined grant application period for 2009 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC), and Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) Programs is now open.  For extensive program details please review FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Program Guidance document which is available at FEMA - Resource Record Details - Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) FY 2009 Unified Guidance .

PURPOSE:
Hazard mitigation activities are intended to reduce or eliminate future property damages and/or loss of life from natural hazards such as floods, tornadoes, and storms.  The HMA programs provide funds for hazard mitigation planning activities and implementation of mitigation projects.  Each of the programs under the HMA umbrella is distinct and has separate eligibility criteria and program rules.  However, because each of the programs also has some common characteristics with the others, the federal guidance document and application periods have been combined.  Most grants are funded with 75% Federal share and 25% local match, but cost sharing requirements vary by program.

Some examples of eligible mitigation project activities include: voluntary acquisition or elevation of flood prone structures, construction of safe rooms (for protection from severe winds), retrofit of structures for wind protection, protective measures for utility infrastructure, storm water management projects that reduce flood risk, and vegetation management for dune restoration or wildfire prevention.  Project eligibility varies by grant program so please refer to program specific sections of the guidance for the unique requirements of each.  For all programs, it must be demonstrated that a project is cost beneficial for it to be considered eligible (the anticipated costs savings from avoided future damages must outweigh the cost of implementing the project).

APPLICATION PROCESS:
In order to be considered for HMA funding, you must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD).  To receive the NOI form, please contact Joel Pepper at (517) 336-2039 or Matt Schnepp at (517) 336-2040.  The EMHSD will review the NOIs to determine if the activities described are eligible for grant funding.  If so, you will be invited to complete a grant application through FEMA's eGrants system. 

DEADLINES:
NOIs must be submitted to the EMHSD no later than August 29, 2008.  eGrants applications will be due to the EMHSD for review by October 15, 2008.  After review and revision, eGrants applications will be due to FEMA by December 19, 2008.  DON'T DELAY - NOIs will be evaluated on an on-going basis so the sooner you submit the completed NOI form, the more time you will have to develop your application.

ELIGIBILITY:
Eligible subapplicants for HMA programs include:  State agencies including State institutions (e.g., State hospital); Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; local governments; public colleges and universities.  Applicant eligibility varies by program so please refer to the HMA Program Guidance for specific program requirements. *Note - for some HMA programs, subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan to apply for project grants.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Funds Availabilty for FY 2009 Notice  (PDF)

Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program (PDF)