FEMA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunities for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

On August 4, FEMA posted funding notices for two hazard mitigation grant programs totaling more than $660 million. The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activates to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness. These programs allow for funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses.

The application period opens on September 30, 2020. Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO), which is now the management system for FMA and BRIC.  Please submit applications at FEMA Go Portal no later than 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 29, 2021. Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grants
FEMA makes federal funds available through the new BRIC grant program to states, local communities, tribes and territories (SLTTs) for pre-disaster mitigation activities. BRIC is a new FEMA pre-disaster hazard mitigation program that replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. A record-breaking $500 million of pre-disaster mitigation funding is available through the program.

The BRIC priorities are to incentivize:

  • public infrastructure projects;
  • projects that mitigate risk to one or more lifelines;
  • projects that incorporate nature-based solutions; and,
  • the adoptions and enforcement of modern building codes.

Flood Mitigation Grants
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 establishes the goal of reducing or eliminating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims through long-term mitigation actions. For the FMA program, the agency’s predetermined funding priorities include flood mitigation planning and efforts for repetitive as well as severe repetitive loss properties.

In this application cycle, $160 million is available in FMA grant funds. There is a set-aside of $70 million for community advance assistance and flood mitigation projects.

FEMA Webinars
FEMA strongly encourages applicants to participate in a series of informational webinars for details about the agency’s funding priorities and review process. FEMA scheduled the first webinar for Tuesday, August 18 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration details will be provided soon.

In addition, FEMA just wrapped up its month-long, five-part BRIC Summer Engagement Series, which brought FEMA Subject Matter Experts and partners together one day a week throughout July to discuss key elements of the newly developed BRIC program. These virtual sessions were geared towards leaders in states, local communities, tribes and territories, as well as private sector entities, private non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in learning more about the grant program. Watch the recordings and download copies of the presentations from the sessions, as they become available.

For more information, visit the fema.gov website.  To view the NOFO; Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-20-MT-029-000-99.

Similar Posts