FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Helps communities rebuild stronger after presidential disaster declarations by funding long-term mitigation projects.
• Cost share: FEMA covers up to 75% of eligible costs; small impoverished communities may qualify for 90–100% federal share.
• Eligible projects: Home buyouts, elevation, safe rooms, flood control systems, wildfire mitigation, utility hardening, and planning.
• Application channel: Local governments apply through their state, territorial, or tribal hazard mitigation office; individuals work with their local officials to be included in project subapplications.
• Timeline: States have up to 12 months after declaration to submit applications to FEMA, but local deadlines are often much earlier.

Program Overview

HMGP is FEMA’s largest post-disaster mitigation funding stream. After a major disaster declaration, the program allocates funds equal to a percentage of total recovery costs, giving states a powerful tool to break the cycle of damage and repair. Projects must demonstrate cost-effectiveness, environmental compliance, and alignment with local hazard mitigation plans. Examples include converting flood-prone neighborhoods into open space, installing backup power for critical facilities, reinforcing public buildings to withstand earthquakes, and reducing wildfire fuels near communities.

Eligibility Pathway

1. Applicant status: States, territories, federally recognized tribes, and some private nonprofits (for emergency facilities) apply as direct recipients. Cities, counties, and tribal subdivisions participate as subapplicants through their state or tribal governments.
2. Hazard Mitigation Plan: Applicants and subapplicants must have FEMA-approved plans updated within the last five years. Projects must appear in the plan or be consistent with its goals.
3. Project scope: Must provide a long-term risk reduction solution, comply with building codes, and meet FEMA’s Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) threshold of 1.0 or higher.
4. Environmental and historic compliance: Projects undergo reviews under NEPA, Section 106, and other environmental laws; early coordination prevents delays.

Application Steps for Local Governments

1. Coordinate with state hazard mitigation officer (SHMO): Confirm disaster declaration number, funding allocation, and state priorities. Request application timelines and required forms.
2. Develop project scoping documents: Collect site data, hazard histories, conceptual designs, and engineering feasibility assessments. Outline acquisition or construction timelines.
3. Prepare BCA: Use FEMA’s BCA Toolkit to quantify benefits (avoided damages, casualties, displacement costs). Gather insurance claims, flood depth data, and structural assessments to support the analysis.
4. Secure local match: Identify cash or in-kind contributions. Leverage Community Development Block Grants, utility funds, or private partnerships to cover the non-federal share.
5. Submit subapplication: Complete FEMA GO forms, attach environmental documentation, and obtain governing body resolutions committing to maintenance responsibilities.
6. Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs): FEMA may ask for clarifications on engineering, BCA inputs, or environmental compliance. Assign staff to monitor FEMA GO and respond within deadlines.

Tips for Residents Seeking Help

• Engage early: Contact local emergency management to express interest in buyouts, elevations, or rebuild assistance. Provide damage documentation and photos from recent disasters.
• Participate in public meetings: Communities often hold outreach sessions when prioritizing HMGP projects—attendance ensures your neighborhood’s needs are considered.
• Bundle with insurance claims: HMGP funds can complement Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) payments from the National Flood Insurance Program to fully cover elevation costs.
• Stay informed about relocation timelines: Buyout projects can take 18–36 months. Maintain flood insurance and temporary repairs while waiting for final approvals.

Best Practices for Successful Applications

• Develop a pipeline of mitigation concepts before disasters occur, including rough cost estimates and site data.
• Maintain up-to-date hazard mitigation plans with clearly defined projects and public support.
• Coordinate with state environmental and historic preservation offices early to flag permitting requirements.
• Document repetitive losses meticulously; high repetitive-loss properties often yield strong BCAs.
• Use FEMA’s mitigation planning and grant development technical assistance to refine proposals.

HMGP is competitive but transformative. Communities that build strong partnerships with state hazard mitigation offices, keep data current, and engage residents proactively maximize their chances of securing funds that deliver safer, more resilient infrastructure.