IN THIS ISSUE Mitigation grant funds are enormously valuable resources for local jurisdictions. Understanding the foundation of hazard mitigation, strategizing your jurisdiction’s priorities while assessing and documenting your risks, and then submitting eligible projects will help break the cycle of repetitive damage — and protect against future losses. In this edition of Disaster Recovery Today author Luis Avila of Tidal Basin reminds us that states, local governments, territories and Indian tribal nations (SLTTs) are required to develop an approved hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance. Mitigation plans form the foundation of a community’s long-term strategy to reduce the cycle of disaster damage. In recent years the federal government has also invested significant funding in mitigation activities undertaken before an incident occurs. From this article we hope you will take away some of the best practices that can be utilized at a community level to lessen the impact of future disasters — and in doing so demonstrate that investments in mitigation measures are an affordable and effective use of public funds. Mitigation grants can help create safer, more resilient communities when disasters ultimately occur. FEMA defines hazard mitigation as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.”* Local governments are responsible for protecting their residents and can achieve this by developing mitigation strategies and actions that are proactive solutions to prevent longterm risk from hazards. States, local governments, territories and Indian tribal nations (SLTTs) are required to develop an approved hazard mitigation plan to receive FEMA-funded hazard mitigation assistance. Mitigation plans form the foundation of a community’s long-term strategy to reduce the cycle of disaster damage. Fortunately, FEMA funding is available to develop a Mitigation Plan and helps fund qualified mitigation projects as well. Mitigation Measures: A Commitment in Prevention and Resilience By Luis Avila Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Consulting *44 CFR § 201.2
2 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM The Hazard Mitigation Plan To access mitigation grant funding, a community needs to have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. The planning process is as important as the plan itself. It creates a framework for risk-based assessments and actions which can reduce loss of life, property and economic damages resulting from future disasters. The plan is the jurisdiction’s blueprint for reducing potential losses identified in a comprehensive risk assessment of facilities — and of existing policies, programs and resources. The process can be enhanced by the community’s ability to use and expand on existing tools (e.g., enhanced zoning, land use regulations and building codes). The process by which the plan is developed will determine its overall effectiveness. To ensure a more comprehensive approach, the planning process should: • Provide opportunities for public comment during the drafting stage; • Engage neighboring communities in planning activities; and • Review and incorporate all available studies, plans and technical data. Important Elements in Developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan Risk Assessment A thorough risk assessment will provide critical information that will enable a jurisdiction to identify and prioritize appropriate mitigation actions which can reduce losses from identified hazards. Profiling Hazards It is necessary to document the locations and potential impact from all the natural The objective of mitigation is unlike other disciplines in the disaster cycle. Mitigation looks at long-term solutions to reduce risk, as opposed to preparing for or responding to hazards. The best opportunity for mitigation is usually during the recovery phase of an incident —meaning that mitigation must be part of your thought process during all phases of the incident. In recent years, the federal government has invested significant funding in mitigation activities that occur before an incident occurs. It is our goal to present mitigation best practices which can be utilized at a community level to lessen the impact of future disasters and demonstrate that investments made in mitigation measures are an affordable, effective and prudent use of public funds. These grants can create opportunities for safer, more resilient communities when disasters do occur.
T IDALBAS INGROUP.COM 3 hazards that might affect a jurisdiction. The plan should include information on any previous occurrences as well as the probabilities for future hazard events. Assessing Vulnerability A comprehensive vulnerability assessment enables a jurisdiction to describe vulnerabilities to the hazards documented in the hazard profile. This process should include the following: 1) Overview— Create an overall summary of each hazard and its potential impact on the community; 2) Repetitive loss properties — Identify structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which have been damaged repeatedly by flood; 3) Identify structures at risk— Describe vulnerabilities by determining the types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure components and critical facilities located in an identified hazard area. In general, vulnerability assessments estimate the potential dollar losses to identified facilities, analyze development trends and provide general descriptions of land uses. Analyzing development trends within a community can identify mitigation options which can be considerations in future land use decisions. Identification and Analysis of the Mitigation Action It is necessary to identify and consider an extensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects to reduce or eliminate “Analyzing development trends within a community can identify mitigation options … .” the effects of individual hazards. There should be particular emphasis on new and existing facilities and infrastructure. The plan needs to address participation in—and continued compliance with— the NFIP. Potential Implementation of Mitigation Actions You must describe how any identified actions will be prioritized, implemented and administered by the local jurisdiction. Prioritization should include specific emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and associated costs.
4 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM Plan Maintenance Process The plan needs to describe the methods to be used for the scheduling, monitoring, evaluating and updating of the plan within a five-year cycle. Incorporation of Existing Planning Mechanisms The planning entity needs to integrate all of the requirements of the Hazard Mitigation Plan into other planning mechanisms, such as capital improvement plans when appropriate. Continued Public Involvement Documenting and promoting mitigation efforts —prior to, during and after disaster recovery operations —have been effectively undertaken by federal, state and local entities. These efforts have proven valuable since they have increased public awareness and compelled communities to take positive actions. Best Practices The process by which the plan is developed will to a great extent determine its completeness and usefulness. Developing the plan may appear to be an extremely difficult task. It need not be if the following principles are applied: Take an All-Hazards Approach The causes of disasters can vary greatly, but the effects often do not. As a result, you should consider the similar effects caused by various hazards instead of having a unique plan for each type of hazard. Use Available Guidance and Planning Materials Sample planning materials are available through state and FEMA websites. These samples are general in nature, so your specific data and resources must be added and the contents tailored to address specific local circumstances. Use a Team Approach The most realistic and complete plans are prepared by a team that includes representatives of departments, agencies and groups which will execute the plan. The preferred organization is a team of teams: a planning group overseeing the overall effort, resolving major planning issues and ensuring that various parts of the plan are coordinated; plus smaller teams of individuals representing departments, agencies and sub-groups brought together to work on specific annexes. This approach helps ensure that the plan is comprehensive and realistic, with minimal duplication of effort. Multi-Jurisdictional Planning Single jurisdictional plans provide autonomy for the municipality but limit opportunities to collaborate with neighboring communities that may have the same challenges. Multijurisdictional planning is most effective when communities face the same threats/ hazards, operate under similar authorities “The process by which the plan is developed will to a great extent determine its completeness and usefulness.”
T IDALBAS INGROUP.COM 5 Table 3: Eligible Activities by Program Eligible Activities HMGP PDM FMA 1. Mitigation Projects Property Acquisition and Structure Demolition Property Acquisition and Structure Relocation Structure Elevation Mitigation Reconstruction Dry Floodproofing of Historic Residential Structures Dry Floodproofing of Non-residential Structures Generators Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects Non-localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects Structural Retrofitting of Existing Buildings Non-structural Retrofitting of Existing Buildings and Facilities Safe Room Construction Wind Retrofit for One- and Two-Family Residences Infrastructure Retrofit Soil Stabilization Wildfire Mitigation Post-Disaster Code Enforcement Advance Assistance 5 Percent Initiative Projects Miscellaneous/Other(1) 2. Hazard Mitigation Planning Planning Related Activities 3. Technical Assistance 4. Management Cost (1) Miscellaneous/Other indicates that any proposed action will be evaluated on its own merit against program requirements. Eligible projects will be approved provided funding is available. Additional information regarding eligible projects for HMGP is included in Part VIII, A.11 and A.12, and for FMA, in Part VIII, C.1. Costs for eligible activities must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary as required by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E, applicable program regulations, and this guidance. Part III. Eligibility Information 33 and have closely aligned capabilities. Additionally, multi-jurisdictional projects tend to be looked at more favorably when being considered for approval. Partnering early in the planning process is a great opportunity that builds the relationships to effectively develop those projects. Involve Elected Officials Seek the support of elected officials to make mitigation planning a priority task. Build onWhat Exists in the Jurisdiction A review of recent emergency operations and hazard events can help identify issues that need to be addressed in the planning process. Seek Professional Assistance The addition of experts —professional consultants and engineers — to the planning team can be extremely valuable. Emergency management and disaster recovery consultants are available to provide advice and assistance from conception to completion. Take Advantage of Training Opportunities Few educational opportunities exist for the planning processes, although certain disaster recovery consultants offer a wide range of seminars, workshops and training exercises to aid in the plan development. Furthermore, www.fema.gov provides a planning aid and publication 386-1 as a resource for getting started. With an approved plan complete, jurisdictions can benefit from numerous programs (found in Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Act) to obtain funding for mitigation measures, including: • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); • Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (Identified as PDM – Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program); • Repetitive Flood Claims Program; and the • Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA). The table below represents eligible projects by grant program.* Hazard Mitig n Assistance Guidance Guid , Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitiga ion Program, and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program February 27, 2015. *At the time of publication, this was the latest FEMA chart of eligible activities that may be funded by the HMA programs. It has not been updated with BRIC.
6 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM How the FEMA HMGP Program ActuallyWorks HMGP project applications are competitive and those (eligible) projects that are specifically identified in the sub-grantee’s mitigation plan will have the best chance of selection. The HMGP is funded by FEMA and administered by the state. It is not a disaster relief program for individual disaster victims or a recovery program that funds repairs to public property damaged during a disaster. It provides mitigation grants with a focused mission of providing a means to prevent or reduce future loss of life and property through the identification and funding of effective measures that minimize the cost of future disasters (response and recovery). Federal funding is limited and there are usually more requests than there is funding available. Awards are made on a competitive basis, with only the most effective projects being funded. Eligibility includes all disasters declared after November 1, 2004 that have been approved for hazard mitigation and all jurisdictions are required to have a FEMAapprovedmitigation plan to qualify—with the exception of mitigation planning grants. Following a presidential declaration of a major disaster, the HMGP is open to participation from all eligible applicants in the counties where it was requested and approved. Eligible applicants are invited to complete and submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) describing their prospective project, which is usually due to the state 30-60 days from the opening of the application period (date of declaration). Selected eligible applicants submitting NOIs must then complete and submit a formal application, which is typically due 60-90 days from the opening of the application period for those
T IDALBAS INGROUP.COM 7 projects deemed eligible and meeting state priorities and initiatives. The state is responsible for establishing the procedures and priorities for selecting mitigation measures. Review criteria are based on the following: o Eligibility and completeness o Cost effectiveness o Engineering feasibility and effectiveness o Environmental planning and historical preservation review Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Since the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 was signed into law, FEMA developed the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to address national public infrastructure pre-disaster hazard mitigation (Provision 1234). The BRIC program aims to categorically shift the federal focus away from reactive disaster spending and toward researchsupported, proactive investment in community resilience. (BRIC will be discussed in more detail in a future issue of Disaster Recovery Today.) Guiding Principles • Support community capability and capacity building • Enable large infrastructure projects • Encourage and enable innovation • Maintain flexibility • Promote partnerships and equity • Provide consistency Funding BRIC is funded by a 6 percent set-aside from federal post-disaster grant funding and is allocated based on the following criteria. • State andTerritory Allocation: An allocation for each state, territory and the District of Columbia (DC). • Tribal Set-Aside: A set-aside for federally recognized tribal governments. • National Mitigation Project Competition: For all eligible applicants, the remainder of the funding will be available competitively for mitigation projects. FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program The FMA Program is a nationally competitive grant program that provides federal funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments. These funds are used for projects to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Funding “The most realistic and complete plans are prepared by a team that includes representatives of departments, agencies and groups which will execute the plan.”
CORPORATE OFFICE 126 Business Park Drive Utica, New York 13502 888.282.1626 Outside U.S. (703) 683.8551 [email protected] Copyright 2021 Tidal Basin. All Rights Reserved. Follow Disaster Recovery Today on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/TidalBasinGroup Twitter.com/DRToday DISASTER RECOVERY TODAY® is published as a public service by Tidal Basin. It is provided for general information and is not intended to replace professional insurance, legal or financial advice for specific cases. WEB ADDRESSES TidalBasinGroup.com DisasterRecoveryToday.com PUBLISHER Daniel A. Craig, MBA EDITOR Sheila E. Salvatore DRT21 4023 Is there a topic you would like to see covered in an upcoming edition of Disaster Recovery Today? You can make topic suggestions, contact the editor, request free subscriptions and browse our back issues all from our website — DisasterRecoveryToday.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Luis Avila Vice President-Mitigation THE AUTHOR may be used for things such as lifting, buying or moving NFIPinsured structures. FMA provides funds yearly to reduce or remove risk of flood damage to NFIP insured buildings. FEMA identifies recipients based on the applicant’s ranking, eligibility and costeffectiveness of the project. Eligible applicants will receive financial assistance for: • Technical assistance • Capability and capacity building (C&CB) • Mitigation projects • Management Costs For further information, please see https://www.fema.gov/grants/ mitigation/floods. Conclusion Mitigation grant funds are enormously valuable resources for local jurisdictions. Understanding the foundation of hazard mitigation, strategizing your jurisdiction’s priorities while assessing and documenting your risks, and then submitting eligible projects will help break the cycle of repetitive damage — and protect against future losses. Hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation are not tasks that should be forgotten upon completion. Ultimately, prevention and resilience should be of upmost importance.
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