ASFPM Submits Comments on FEMA’s Public Assistance Mitigation Cost Share Incentives Policy

Earlier this week, ASFPM submitted comments in response to FEMA’s request for information on the Public Assistance Mitigation Cost-Share Incentive. Our comments emphasize our support for raising the federal cost share for FEMA’s post-disaster Public Assistance program from 75% up to 85% for proven mitigation measures as a way to motivate investments in capacity and resilience. The key is to identify the right set of actions that truly reduce risk over the long term.

We also highlight key challenges with implementing Section 406 mitigation, including the need to identify hazard mitigation opportunities early in the recovery process. Without addressing these process issues, simply offering a cost-share increase may not lead to meaningful improvements in disaster resilience. Additionally, ASFPM recommends expanding the criteria for cost-share incentives to recognize a broader range of state and local mitigation efforts. Read our full comments here.