The VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEMHS) is pleased to announce the availability of FEMA mitigation grant funds. The State of Vermont received a federal disaster declaration (DR 4232-VT) for damages resulting from flooding, which occurred on June 9, 2015. In addition to FEMA’s Public Assistance program, there are federal mitigation funds available to all Vermont towns through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
We are now accepting HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties.
Applications can be downloaded from the DEMHS website at: www.vem.vermont.gov. You may click on the link titled "Funding and Resources for Communities" on the DEMHS website to find the link for the "Hazard Mitigation Program", where you will find the application and additional requirements. Alternatively, you may contact Hazard Mitigation Planner, Lauren Oates, for an application.
Deadline: HMGP applications must be submitted to the state by close-of-business on Friday, April 8, 2016.
The HMGP program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by DEMHS on behalf of the state. Federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of approved project costs; however, please note that there is a 25% local match requirement that is the responsibility of the applicant town.
We strongly encourage you to identify potential hazard mitigation sites in your communities and apply for funds under the HMGP grant program. Typical hazard mitigation projects would include: mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, mitigation outreach and education, etc. Project proposals do not need to be directly connected to damages incurred from the most recent declared disaster.
Please note the following eligibility requirements:
1) Communities must have a FEMA approved and adopted local mitigation plan. We will accept applications from towns currently lacking an approved mitigation plan, but FEMA will not release awarded project funds unless the mitigation plan has been approved by FEMA and adopted. Those towns lacking an approved plan must indicate on their HMGP application that they commit to completing a local mitigation plan within 12 months of application submittal; they can also contact their local Regional Planning Commission for assistance.
2) Communities must be participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), if a special flood hazard area (SFHA) has been identified in the community and if the proposed project is located within the SFHA. Please contact the Agency of Natural Resources state floodplain coordinator, Rob Evans (rob.evans@vermont.gov) for additional information on applying for NFIP membership.
3) DEMHS is now requesting that HMGP applicant towns have a Local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in place. If a town currently lacks an EOP, applications will be accepted but funds may not be released until the local EOP is in place. For assistance with EOP development, towns may contact their local Regional Planning Commission.
HMGP applications must be completed in their entirety, including maps, list of alternative proposals, engineering plans, hydrology studies (if needed) and a full benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in the FEMA-approved format, if applicable. If you need help in completing the BCA, you may contact your local Regional Planning Commission. Some BCA assistance is also available from DEMHS staff, if you make a prior appointment.
If you wish to apply for an HMGP grant, please submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to DEMHS by March 11, 2016. The LOI should include a brief description of your proposal and the total estimated cost of your project. Please note that LOIs are strongly encouraged, but not required.
Please submit LOIs and completed applications to:
Lauren Oates, Hazard Mitigation Planner
VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
Tel (802) 241-5363
Email: lauren.oates@vermont.gov
Applications should be submitted to the state in hard copy (paper application) and in electronic format such as a scanned PDF file. Applications will not be accepted if submitted past the deadline.
Please note that HMGP funds are awarded on a competitive basis and all applications are subject to review and selection by the state mitigation project selection committee and FEMA. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding HMGP or any other FEMA mitigation grant program.
Cheers,
Lauren
Lauren Oates
Hazard Mitigation Planner
Div. of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Desk: (802) 241-5363
Cell: (802) 798-2084
