Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Please note six-month deadline extensions below for Notices of Interest and project applications.
The State of Iowa will receive FEMA funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) as part of Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-1763-DR (May 27, 2008) as a result of tornadoes and catastrophic flooding that occurred in our state. The initial notice of funds availability for this disaster was published June 20, 2008 and limited the mitigation project type to property acquisitions.
Project Types
The State is opening up HMGP funds availability beyond property acquisition/demolition and planning projects. Projects may be of any type that will reduce or eliminate losses from future natural disasters, including but not limited to:
• Construction of tornado safe rooms (multi-functional community or school safe room projects are highly encouraged)
• Acquisition, structural relocation or elevation of buildings located in a special flood hazard area
• Structural and non-structural retrofitting of existing public buildings, facilities, or utilities to protect against wind, ice, or flood hazards
• Minor structural hazard control or protection projects such as storm water management (e.g., culverts, floodgates, retention basins)
• Localized flood control projects, such as floodwall systems, that are designed specifically to protect critical facilities and do not constitute a section of a larger flood control system
The State will consider all HMGP project types except back-up power generation and warning systems at this time. The State will publish a notice if funding for back-up power generation and warning systems becomes available in the future.
Eligible Applicants
Potential eligible applicants include:
• State agencies and local governments
• Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, including State-recognized Indian tribes, and authorized tribal organizations
• Private nonprofit (PNP) organizations or institutions that operate a PNP facility as defined in the 44 Code of Federal Regulations Section 206.221(e).
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires a FEMA approved local mitigation plan prior to FEMA awarding HMGP project funds. If a community does not have an approved plan or is engaged in the planning process, there may still be an opportunity for them to be awarded HMGP project funds once the plan is approved. These communities are encouraged to submit a Notice of Interest (NOI) and potentially develop a project application.
Applicants with proposed projects located in a FEMA-identified Special Flood Hazard Area must be a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating community. However, applicants who were NFIP participants in the past but currently are suspended or sanctioned are not eligible for HMGP funds, regardless where the proposed project is located.
Notice of Interest & Application Process
Applicants must complete and e-mail the NOI form to hsemd.mitigation@iowa.gov no later than September 15, 2009. The State is strongly encouraging early submission of NOIs. The State mitigation staff will review NOIs for basic eligibility and send invitations for full HMGP project application within a few weeks. The invitation letter will identify a project officer for the applicant, who will contact the applicant to discuss the project and offer technical assistance throughout the application process.
The application deadline is November 1, 2009. Project applications will be accepted, reviewed, and submitted to FEMA for funding approval on a continuous basis. Therefore, earlier submission potentially means earlier funding, absent any special circumstances or issues.
Funds
The total estimated amount of HMGP funds available is $251 million. There is not a funding limit on individual project applications. The estimated cost share for awarded HMGP project grants is:
Federal (FEMA) – 75% maximum
Non Federal – 25%
State of Iowa – 10%
Community Development Block Grant – 15%
(Administered through the Iowa Department of Economic Development)
For additional information or questions, feel free to contact a lead State Mitigation Project Officer:
Jim Russell, Infrastructure Lead 515-251-3673
Linda Roose, Planning and Safe Room Lead 515-251-3675
Dan Schmitz, Acquisition/Relocation Lead 515-251-3674
Rick Biondi, Grant Coordinating Officer 515-251-3509