Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

Description: FMA provides grants to assist with the planning and implementation of flood mitigation projects that include measures to reduce flood losses by elevation, acquisition, or relocation of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-insured structures. It also allows dry floodproofing of non-residential structures, small local flood reduction projects, and plans to prevent flood damage. Projects must have the effect of reducing the risk of flood. FMA provides funds yearly on a competitive basis.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Public utilities.
• Private non-profit (PNP) and private for-profit (PFP) utilities may be eligible if the local government submits an application on their behalf.
• Utilities must have NFIP-insured structures.
• To be eligible for FMA funding, the utility should have projects included in their local hazard mitigation plan. Contact your local mitigation officer (typically in the local emergency management agency) or ask your State Hazard Mitigation Officer for your local contact.

Type and Cost Share: FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Share Guide (PDF)(28 pp, 1.1 MB, About PDF) outlines the cost share for all mitigation programs. FMA is a grant with a 75 percent federal and 25 percent state/local match and up to 90 percent match for small and impoverished communities. Properties designated as Repetitive Loss may receive up to a 90 percent federal match and properties designated Severe Repetitive Loss may receive up to a 100 percent federal match. See Combine Funds for how to leverage various funds to satisfy the state/local match.

Mitigation Projects: There are several resources to help develop mitigation projects:

• EPA developed guidance to assist in developing mitigation projects for floods. See EPA’s Flood Resilience Guide.
• FEMA encourages mitigation strategies including green infrastructure, floodplain and stream restoration, aquifer storage and recovery, and flood diversion and storage.

Application: The "applicant" includes all 50 states, U.S territories, the District of Columbia, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. The applicant prepares and submits the application and accepts input from the sub-applicant (e.g., local government or utility). When awarded, the eligible recipient (e.g., state) makes sub-awards to local governments (including utilities). States have primary responsibility for selecting and directing mitigation activities. Funds for the FMA program are limited. The state point of contact is your State Hazard Mitigation Officer. Utilities should contact their local emergency management agency if interested in FMA.

FEMA requires a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to determine the cost-effectiveness of projects. Applicants and sub-applicants must use FEMA-approved methods and the BCA tool and technical guides.

Website & Deadline: Applications for FMA must be submitted according to published deadlines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted each year, generally early-fall through mid-winter. For information, see FMA.