Grant Opportunity – 3rd Round HMGP Funding

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)- 3rd Round

The state of Vermont recently received a federal disaster declaration for damages resulting from the  high wind and flooding events (DR-4066) which occurred in May, 2012.  The state also received additional mitigation funding in connection with the disaster declared last year due to tropical storm Irene (DR-4022).

In addition to FEMA Public Assistance, there are federal mitigation funds available to all Vermont towns through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) is now accepting HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties in connection with the most recent disaster.  The HMGP program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by Vermont Emergency Management.   Federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of project costs; however, there is a 25% local match requirement that is the responsibility of the applicant (town/agency).    A copy of this announcement will be sent to all select board chair persons in the state

We 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: repair and mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisitions (buy-out), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, remediation of stream bank erosion, bridge upgrades, etc.     Project proposals need not be directly connected to flooding from the most recent declared disasters.  Secondary residences will be considered for acquisition (buy-out), but will  be considered on a lower priority as compared to primary residences and public infrastructure projects.

You may download the HMGP application from VEM’s website at vem.vermont.gov  or you may contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for an application.  On VEM’s website, first go to the Mitigation Tab, and then click on Mitigation Forms.

Please note the following FEMA eligibility requirements:

1)  Communities must have a FEMA approved and adopted local mitigation plan no later than the date that funds are awarded.  Those towns lacking an approved plan should 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 has been identified in the community.   Please contact the Agency of Natural Resources state floodplain coordinator for additional information on applying for NFIP membership.

The application must be completed in full, 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 you need help in completing the BCA, you may contact your local Regional Planning Commission.  Some BCA assistance is also available from the state hazard mitigation officer if you make a prior appointment.

Deadline for 3rd Round HMGP applications:   Close-of-business on Friday, November 2, 2012.

If you wish to apply for an HMGP grant, please submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Vermont Emergency Management by Sept. 28, 2012.  The LOI should include a brief description of your proposal and the total estimated cost of your project.

Please submit LOIs and completed applications to:

Ray Doherty

State Hazard Mitigation Office

Vermont Emergency Management

103 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT  05671

Tel (802) 241-5258 (office)
E-mail:  ray.doherty@state.vt.us

Applications should be submitted to Vermont Emergency Management in hard copy (paper application) and in electronic format such as a PDF file.    Applications will not be accepted 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.   Of course, feel free to contact Vermont Emergency Management if you have any questions or concerns regarding HMGP or any other FEMA mitigation grant program.

Sincerely,

Ray Doherty,  State Hazard Mitigation Officer

Vermont Emergency Management

103 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT  05671

Tel  (802) 241-5258 (office)

Fax (802) 241-5556

Email:  ray.doherty@state.vt.us

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