On June 17, 2014, WaterISAC hosted a webcast on FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs, which are designed to provide funding to protect life and property from future natural disasters.
The HMA programs are available to states and are often used to protect critical facilities including drinking water and wastewater utilities:
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and projects on an annual basis.
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) provides funds for projects to reduce of eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on an annual basis.
WaterISAC's guest was Morgan Franklin of FEMA's Insurance and Mitigation Administration. Mr. Franklin discussed the types of projects that qualify for assistance and provide examples of approved projects. He also discussed the application process and timelines along with the factors taken into account during evaluation, including cost-benefit ratios and considerations related to sea level rise.
A recording of the webcast (contained in a downloadable zip file) and the presentation are included below.
