Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Purpose
To reduce vulnerability of communities, promotes individual and community safety and resiliency, lessens response and recovery needs, results in safer communities.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Local governments are eligible to apply as sub applicants to states. Primary applicants must have a FEMA-approved mitigation plan.
Decarbonization Considerations
HMGP may fund a range of projects to mitigate risk. To enhance energy system resiliency, consider prioritizing building retrofits for weatherization or adding solar plus battery storage at critical facilities and community hubs as well as building out localized energy storage and/or microgrid facilities in partnership with utilities to reduce the risk of failure. Undergrounding transmission and distribution system wiring can also reduce the risk of electric failure and reduce the reliance on generators.
Equity Considerations
If certain pockets of your community are repeatedly impacted by natural disasters, consider prioritizing flexible backup power generation solutions like solar plus battery storage at community hubs closer to the more vulnerable populations.
Helpful Tips
States with enhanced mitigations plans can qualify for up to 20% of the cost/assistance needed, not to exceed $35.3 billion.
Other Notes
Contacting the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO), or equivalent representative for a respective tribal government (federally recognized) or territory can be helpful in choosing which hazards pose the greatest threat and determining the best strategy for mitigation. For local governments, please contact your State Hazard Mitigation Officer to learn about the applicant’s priorities, deadlines, and additional requirements. Awardees are eligible to recieve FEMA-subsidized, low-carbon construction materials. Read more at https://www.fema.gov/grants/policy-guidance/low-carbon-goals. To determine eligibility for federal disaster declaration funding, please check FEMA's website at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/disaster-declarations.