Session No. 31

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Course Title: Coastal Hazards Management**

**Session Title: FEMA Programs**

**Author: Anna K. Schwab, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill**

**Time: 50 minutes**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Objectives:**

**Objective 31.1** Discuss the organization and mission of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.

**Objective 31.2** Become familiar with the federal Disaster Declaration
Process and the National Response Plan.

**Objective 31.3** Review provisions of the Public Assistance Program.

**Objective 31.4** Review provisions of the Individual Assistance
Program.

**Objective 31.5** Review provisions of the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Scope:**

This session and the following session introduce the students to the
major hazard programs carried out by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). Session 31 begins with a brief discussion of the
organizational structure and mission of FEMA, the Disaster Declaration
Process, and the function of the National Response Plan. The session
then discusses FEMA programs, including the Public Assistance Program,
the Individual Assistance Program, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program. Session 32 will continue the discussion of FEMA programs,
covering the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, the Disaster Mitigation
Act of 2000, and the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community
Rating System.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Readings:**

*Instructor and Student Readings (for Sessions 31 and 32):*

Beatley, Timothy, et al. 2002. *An Introduction to Coastal Zone
Management*. Washington, DC: Island Press, pp. 124-128.

Burby, Raymond J. 2001. "Flood insurance and floodplain management: the
US experience." *Environmental Hazards* 3 (2001) 111-122.

Godschalk, David R. et al. 1999. *Natural Hazard Mitigation: Recasting
Disaster Policy and Planning*. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, chapter
10.

Haddow, George D. and Jane A. Bullock. 2003. *Introduction to Emergency
Management*. New York: Butterworth--Heinmann, chapter 1; pp. 44-46;
68-85; 91-93; 96-103.

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL
93-288, as amended.

National Response Plan, http://www.dhs.gove/nationalresponseplan

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**General Requirements:**

The session should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

**PowerPoint slides:**

**PowerPoint 31.1** Department of Homeland Security

**PowerPoint 31.2** FEMA Regional Offices

**PowerPoint 31.3** Disaster Life Cycle

**PowerPoint 31.4** Programs Administered by the Federal Insurance and
Mitigation Administration

**PowerPoint 31.5** Disaster Declaration Process

**PowerPoint 31.6** National Response Plan

**PowerPoint 31.7** Floyd Temporary Housing

**PowerPoint 31.8** FEMA Aid -- Falling through the cracks

**PowerPoint 31.9** Public Assistance Program

**PowerPoint 31.10** Flooded Sewer Plant

**PowerPoint 31.11** Hurricane Floyd debris removal

**PowerPoint 31.12** FEMA Individual Assistance Programs

**PowerPoint 31.13** Hurricane Jeanne Individual Assistance

**PowerPoint 31.14** Types of HMGP Projects

**PowerPoint 31.15** Hurricane Floyd buyout

**PowerPoint 31.16** HMGP acquisition Wrightsville Beach, NC

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Objective 31.1** Discuss the structure and organization of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.

**Requirements**:

The content should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

PowerPoint slides to be shown during this session include:

**PowerPoint 31.1** Department of Homeland Security

**PowerPoint 31.2** FEMA Regional Offices

**PowerPoint 31.3** Disaster Life Cycle

**PowerPoint 31.4** Programs Administered by the FEMA Mitigation
Division

**Remarks:**

-   In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks against America on
    September 11th, 2001, President George W. Bush decided 22 previously
    disparate domestic agencies needed to be coordinated into one
    department to protect the nation against threats to the homeland.
    The Department of Homeland Security was created to serve this role.

# [FEMA Organization]{.underline}

> **\[PowerPoint 31.1** **Department of Homeland Security\]**

-   FEMA is housed under the **Department of Homeland Security** in the
    **Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate.**

    -   The Agency works closely with state and local governments by
        funding emergency programs and providing technical guidance and
        training.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **FEMA employees** work at

    -   FEMA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.,

    -   regional and area offices across the country,

    -   the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, and

    -   the National Emergency Training Center in Emittsburg, Maryland.

    -   FEMA also has nearly 4,000 standby disaster assistance employees
        who are available for deployment after disasters.

-   **FEMA Regional Offices**

> **\[PowerPoint 31.2 FEMA Regional Offices\]**

-   FEMA's 10 regional offices carry out FEMA's programs at the
    regional, state and local levels.

## FEMA's Mission

> **\[PowerPoint 31.3** **Disaster Life Cycle\]**

-   FEMA is the **focal point** within the federal government for
    **emergency response, recovery, mitigation, risk reduction,
    prevention, and preparedness.**

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   FEMA's mission involves fostering **readiness for disaster** at
    every level of the emergency management system.

    -   FEMA works to

        -   encourage state and local planning

        -   make resources available for facilities and equipment

        -   give emergency personnel the training they need

        -   sponsor exercises, and

        -   get information out to the public

# [Robert T. Stafford Act]{.underline}

-   **FEMA is responsible for administering** the Robert T. Stafford
    Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 93-288, as amended (the
    "Stafford Act").

    -   The Stafford Act was enacted by Congress in **1988** to support
        **state and local governments** and their citizens **when
        disasters overwhelm** their capability to respond.

-   A wide range of **disaster assistance** is available from FEMA under
    the Stafford Act. Such assistance generally falls into two
    categories:

    -   **individual and family assistance**

    -   **public assistance**

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    -   Many of these disaster assistance programs are discussed in this
        session and in the next.

    -   The Stafford Act also provides for financial **support for
        mitigation** activities by state, tribal, and local governments
        under **FIMA** -- the Federal Insurance and Mitigation
        Administration.

## Mitigation Division

-   The Mitigation Division manages the National Flood Insurance Program
    and oversees FEMA\'s mitigation programs. It includes organizational
    activities to promote Protection, Prevention, and Partnerships at
    the Federal, State, local, and individual levels. The Division is
    headed by a Mitigation Division Director/Administrator

-   As part of the major reorganization into the Department of Homeland
    Security during March 2003, the former Federal Insurance and
    Mitigation Administration was named the Mitigation Division. The
    staff, resources, authorities, missions and functions of this
    organization will continue with the closest coordination possible in
    the delivery of the nation\'s natural hazard reduction programs.

-   The overall mission is to protect lives and prevent the loss of
    property from natural hazards. The Mitigation Division spearheads
    FEMA\'s efforts to reduce the loss of life and property and to
    protect our nation\'s institutions from all types of hazards through
    a comprehensive, risk-based emergency management program of
    preparedness & preventive techniques.

-   The work of the Division's national programs is a major component of
    emergency management since these programs focus on protection of
    life and property and the prevention of future losses through
    partnerships with governments at the State and local levels as well
    as the private sector.

**\[PowerPoint 31.4 Programs Administered by the FEMA Mitigation
Division\]**

-   The Mitigation Division administers the following nationwide,
    risk-reduction programs and Congressionally-authorized efforts:

    -   The National Flood Insurance Program

    -   The National Dam Safety Program

    -   The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

    -   The National Hurricane Program

    -   The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

    -   Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

    -   Pre-Disaster Mitigation authorized by the Disaster Mitigation
        Act of 2000

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    -   Several of these programs are discussed in more detail in this
        Session and in the next Session.

**Objective 31.2** Become familiar with the federal Disaster Declaration
Process and the National Response Plan.

**Requirements**:

The content should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

PowerPoint slides to be shown during this session include:

**PowerPoint 31.5** Disaster Declaration Process

**PowerPoint 31.6** National Response Plan

**PowerPoint 31.7** Floyd Temporary Housing

**PowerPoint 31.8** FEMA Aid -- Falling through the cracks

**Suggested topics** for discussion that might be raised during this
Objective include:

-   What is an appropriate role for the federal government in disaster
    situations? State government? Local communities? Individual business
    owners and families?

-   To what degree might federal disaster assistance be viewed by
    states, communities, and individuals as an entitlement? Should
    disaster assistance be an entitlement?

-   Might such a view discourage efforts to mitigate against natural
    hazards before a disaster strikes?

-   A disaster is almost always a time of great confusion and
    disorganization. Discuss the types of proactive planning that must
    take place before disaster assistance can be distributed.

-   Should there be a different approach to assistance provided to
    owners of second homes versus permanent residents along the coast?

**Remarks:**

## When Disaster Strikes: The Request for Assistance

> **\[PowerPoint 31.5 Disaster Declaration Process\]**

-   The **first responders** to a natural hazard event include **local
    officials** -- public safety, emergency management, medical
    personnel, etc.

-   If the scale of the event **overwhelms local capacity** to deal with
    the impact, local officials request **assistance from the state**
    for response and recovery.

-   **The governor** of a state typically calls upon **state level
    emergency management agencies,** as well as the **State National
    Guard** to provide immediate assistance.

-   Local and state emergency management personnel, with FEMA
    assistance, **quickly gather data** in the immediate aftermath of a
    natural hazard event **(Preliminary Damage Assessment**).

    -   The information is used by the governor to determine whether the
        scope of the event **exceeds the state's capacity** to respond.

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    -   The **governor** then makes a **formal request to the
        President** of the United States for a Presidential major
        disaster or emergency declaration. The request is made through
        the FEMA Regional Director.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The **FEMA Regional Office** summarizes the event and forwards a
    recommendation to FEMA Headquarters.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   A **FEMA** recommendation on a request for a disaster declaration
    goes through the Department of Homeland Security to the White House.

-   The **President decides to declare or not to declare** a major
    disaster or emergency

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   A **disaster declaration triggers the National Response Plan**. The
    declaration also makes available a variety of disaster assistance
    programs through FEMA and other federal agencies.

**[National Response Plan (NRP)]{.underline}**

-   The **Secretary** of the Department of Homeland Security is
    responsible for making recommendations to the President on
    declarations and **coordinating Federal response activities** under
    the National Response Plan.

> **\[PowerPoint 31.6 The National Response Plan\]**

-   Originally issued in 1992 as the Federal Response Plan, the Initial
    National Response Plan was issued in January of 2003 to **reflect
    the passage** of the **Homeland Security Act**. The final National
    Response Plan was completed in **January of 2005.**

-   The National Response Plan establishes a **comprehensive all-hazards
    approach** to enhance the ability of the United States to manage
    domestic incidents.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **All federal departments and agencies** that may be required to
    assist or support during a national incident **follow the Plan**,
    whether from threats or acts of terrorism, major natural disasters,
    or man-made emergencies.

    -   The Plan clearly **identifies** authority and leadership
        **responsibilities**

-   The Plan uses the **National Incident Management System** (NIMS) to
    establish standardized training, organization and communications
    procedures for **multi-jurisdictional interaction.**

-   NRP Incident Management **Priorities** include:

    -   **Save lives** and protect the health and safety of the public,
        responders and recovery workers

    -   Ensure **security** of the homeland

    -   **Prevent** an imminent incident, including acts of terrorism,
        from occurring

    -   Protect and restore **critical infrastructure** and key
        resources

    -   Conduct **law enforcement** investigations to resolve the
        incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and collect and preserve
        evidence

    -   **Protect property** and mitigate damages and impacts to
        individuals, communities, and the environment

    -   **Facilitate recovery** of individuals, families, businesses,
        governments and the environment

-   The NRP and the supporting national Incident Management System
    **establish procedures** to:

    -   Improve coordination and integration between federal, state,
        local tribal, regional, private sector, and non-governmental
        organization partners;

    -   Integrate the federal response to catastrophic events;

    -   Improve incident management communications and increase
        cross-jurisdictional coordination and situational awareness;

    -   Improve federal to federal interaction and emergency support;

    -   Maximize use and employment of incident management resources;

    -   Facilitate emergency mutual aid and federal emergency support to
        state, local, and tribal governments.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The National Response Plan further recognizes the **potential
    magnitude** of threats from weapons of mass destruction and severe
    natural disasters by adoption of a new term: the ***Incident of
    National Significance***:

    -   An Incident of National Significance is described as an incident
        with **high impact** requiring an **extensive and
        well-coordinated response** by federal, state, local, tribal,
        and nongovernmental authorities to save lives, minimize damage,
        and provide the basis for long-term community and economic
        recovery.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The NRP covers the **full range** of complex and constantly changing
    requirements following a disaster:

    -   **Preparedness:**

        -   Ensuring facilities, resources, operations are in place
            prior to incident occurrence

    -   **Response:**

        -   Saving lives

        -   Protecting property

        -   Meeting basic human needs

    -   **Recovery:**

        -   Restoring the disaster-affected area

    -   **Mitigation**:

        -   Reducing vulnerability to future disasters

    -   The NRP does **not** specifically address **long-term
        reconstruction and redevelopment**

[**Maintaining the National Response Plan**]{.underline}

-   The Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness and
    Response (EP&R)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in close
    coordination with the DHS Office of the Secretary, maintain the
    National Response Plan.

-   The Plan is updated to incorporate new Presidential directives,
    legislative changes, and procedural changes based on lessons learned
    from exercises and actual events.

## Federal Resources under the NRP

-   **Federal resources** that can be deployed under the NRP include:

    -   [Specialized teams]{.underline} for damage assessment, emergency
        communications, medical assistance, urban search and rescue,
        emergency power restoration, community relations

    -   [Equipment and supplies]{.underline} such as mobile kitchens,
        water purification units, portable generators, temporary
        housing, tents

    -   [Facilities]{.underline} including a Disaster Field Office
        (DFO), mobilization center, Disaster Recovery Center

    -   [Initial response resources]{.underline}, including food, water,
        emergency generators

    -   [Emergency services]{.underline} to clear debris, open critical
        transportation routes, provide mass sheltering and feeding

    -   [Loans and grants]{.underline} to repair or replace damaged
        housing and personal property

    -   [Grants]{.underline} to repair or replace roads and public
        buildings, incorporating to the extent practical
        hazard-reduction structural and non-structural measures

    -   [Technical assistance]{.underline} to identify and implement
        mitigation opportunities to reduce future losses

    -   [Other assistance]{.underline}, including crisis counseling, tax
        relief, legal services, job placement

> **\[PowerPoint 31.7 Floyd Temporary Housing\]**

-   Among agencies other than FEMA that contribute significantly to
    disaster response and recovery under the Stafford Act upon
    Presidential disaster declaration include:

    -   US Army Corps of Engineers

    -   Department of Housing and Urban Development

    -   Small Business Administration

    -   US Department of Agriculture

    -   Department of Health and Human Services

    -   Department of Transportation

    -   Department of Commerce

    -   Department of Labor

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   In addition, the **Department of Agriculture** and the **Small
    Business Administration** have authority to **declare disasters**
    and **provide assistance** outside the purview of the Federal
    Response Plan.

> **\[PowerPoint 31.8 FEMA Aid -- Falling through the cracks\]**

-   **States**, along with their local jurisdictions, **have their own
    emergency operations plans** describing who will do what, when, and
    with what resources. In addition, many voluntary, private, and
    international organizations have emergency or contingency plans.

**Objective 31.3** Review provisions of the Public Assistance Program.

**Requirements**:

The content should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

PowerPoint slides to be shown during this session include:

**PowerPoint 31.9** Public Assistance Program

**PowerPoint 31.10** Flooded Sewer Plant

**PowerPoint 31.11** Hurricane Floyd debris removal

**[Remarks:]{.underline}**

> **\[PowerPoint 31.9 Public Assistance Program\]**

-   **Section 406** of the Stafford Act authorizes the Public Assistance
    (PA) Program, which is **administered by FEMA**.

-   The **post-disaster program** provides supplemental disaster grant
    assistance to help communities save lives and property in the
    immediate aftermath of a disaster, and help communities **rebuild
    damaged facilities and infrastructure.**

    -   Grants cover eligible costs associated with the **repair,
        replacement and restoration of facilities** owned by state or
        local governments and non-profit organizations.

> **\[PowerPoint 31.10 Flooded Sewer Plant\]**

-   **[Categories of Assistance]{.underline}**

    -   **Four categories** of assistance are available after a major
        disaster declaration:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   ***Debris removal***: to eliminate threats to life, public health,
    property

> **\[PowerPoint 31.11 Hurricane Floyd debris removal\]**

-   ***Emergency work*** or protective measures (includes ensuring
    emergency access; removal of public health and safety hazards;
    demolition of structures; establishment of emergency communication
    links; emergency public transportation)

-   ***Repair, restoration, relocation, or replacement***: to return
    damaged public and non-profit facilities to their pre-disaster
    condition.

-   ***Community disaster loans***: to units of local government that
    lose a substantial part of their tax base because of a disaster.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **[Hazard Mitigation Under the PA Program]{.underline}**

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Under state administration of the PA program, **minimum standards**
    for all repairs and reconstruction may include hazard mitigation,
    including structural elements pertinent to coastal hazards.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **[Eligibility Requirements:]{.underline}**

    -   As with all FEMA-funded projects, mitigation elements under the
        PA program must satisfy four criteria:

        -   [Eligible project]{.underline} --the mitigation measure must
            reduce the risk of future damage to the facility as part of
            an eligible project

        -   [Technically feasible]{.underline} -- the mitigation measure
            must prevent the damage from reoccurring. For example,
            flood-proofing the lower exterior walls of a building will
            not reduce future damages if the damage was due to rainwater
            entering through the roof

        -   [Cost-effective]{.underline} -- the benefits associated with
            the mitigation measure must outweigh the costs of
            implementation

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    -   [Comply with all applicable federal and state laws and
        regulations]{.underline} -- pertinent laws and regulations
        include environmental and historic preservation rules.

        -   In addition, communities must be participants in good
            standing in the **National Flood Insurance Program** in
            order to receive aid through the Public Assistance Program.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Some **pre-identified mitigation measures** that are considered to
    be cost effective as long as the cost of the measure does not exceed
    100% of the cost of eligible repair work.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   *For example*,

    -   replacing a drainage structure with multiple structures or a
        larger structure;

    -   Installing headwalls and wingwalls to control erosion;

    -   Installing riprap to control erosion;

    -   Elevating electrical panels and equipment above flood elevations

**Objective 31.4** Review provisions of the Individual Assistance
Program.

**Requirements**:

The content should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

PowerPoint slides to be shown during this session include:

**PowerPoint 31.12** FEMA Individual Assistance Programs

**PowerPoint 31.13** Hurricane Jeanne Individual Assistance

**[Remarks:]{.underline}**

-   Upon Presidential declaration of a major disaster under the Stafford
    Act, the **Governor may make a specific request** for funds for the
    serious needs and necessary expenses of **disaster victims** that
    cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or through
    other means, such as insurance, voluntary agency assistance, or
    disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

-   Several Individual Assistance Recovery Programs are administered by
    FEMA to cover the otherwise unmet needs of individuals, families,
    and small businesses:

> **\[PowerPoint 31.12 FEMA Individual Assistance Programs\]**

-   Disaster Housing Program

-   Individual and Family Grant Program

-   Disaster Unemployment Assistance

-   Legal Services

-   Tax Relief

-   Crisis Counseling

-   Cora Brown Fund

**[Disaster Housing Program]{.underline}**

-   The Disaster Housing Program provides funds for expenses to allow
    **displaced persons procure temporary housing** while repairs are
    made to their homes.

-   Expenses allowed are those that are **not covered by insurance**,
    and may include:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Lodging reimbursement

-   Emergency minimal repairs

-   Temporary rental assistance

-   Mortgage and rental assistance

**[Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG)]{.underline}**

-   The IFG Program covers **necessary expenses and unmet needs** of
    families and individuals displaced by a disaster. Assistance is in
    the form of a grant.

> **\[PowerPoint 31.13 Hurricane Jeanne Individual Assistance\]**

-   Expenses allowed are those that are **not covered by insurance** or
    other disaster aid and may include:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Housing

-   Personal property losses

-   Medical/dental work

-   Funeral costs

-   Transportation

-   Flood insurance premiums

**[Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)]{.underline}**

-   The DUA covers workers not otherwise compensated by unemployment
    benefits who **lose jobs due to a disaster**.

-   Assistance includes **unemployment benefits** and **job training**
    or other reemployment services.

**[Legal Services]{.underline}**

-   Free legal services are provided to **low-income disaster victims**
    who are unable to retain legal counsel otherwise for issues related
    to the disaster.

-   Services include

    -   Filing insurance claims

    -   Landlord/tenant disputes

    -   Consumer protection (including scams)

    -   Document production (e.g., wills)

**[Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program]{.underline}**

-   FEMA counselors provide services to victims of a declared disaster
    to deal with issues of **grief, trauma, stress, domestic and
    substance abuse, and mental health** problems that occur as a result
    of the disaster.

-   FEMA assistance is **supplemental to state and local** public and
    mental health agency services provided in the disaster area.

**[Cora C. Brown Fund]{.underline}**

-   This fund is available to meet the otherwise unmet needs of disaster
    victims. A wide range of assistance is available under this
    supplemental fund which is given in the form of grants to
    individuals.

**Objective 31.5** Review provisions of the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program.

**Requirements**:

The content should be presented as lecture, supported by PowerPoint
slides. Class discussion is to be encouraged.

PowerPoint slides to be shown during this session include:

**PowerPoint 31.14** Types of HMGP Projects

**PowerPoint 31.15** Hurricane Floyd buyout

**PowerPoint 31.16** HMGP acquisition Wrightsville Beach, NC

**Remarks:**

-   **Section 404** of the Stafford Act establishes the Hazard
    Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

-   The **purpose of the program** is to **reduce the loss of life and
    property** due to natural hazards and to enable mitigation measures
    to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

-   HMGP provides **75% federal/25% state** cost-share funding for
    mitigation measures through the post-disaster planning process. The
    **total amount** of HMGP funds available for each disaster is
    calculated as **a portion of the federal funds spent on Public
    Assistance and Individual Assistance** programs, minus
    administrative expenses.

-   In recognition of the **importance of planning**, States that have
    an approved State Mitigation Plan in effect at the time of the
    declaration of a major disaster may receive additional HMGP funding.

-   States, with local input, are responsible for identifying and
    selecting hazard mitigation projects.

-   **Types of projects** for which HMGP funds can be used include, but
    are not limited to:

> **\[PowerPoint 31.14 Types of HMGP Projects\]**

-   Construction activities that will result in protection from hazards

-   Retrofit of facilities, structures, lifelines

-   Acquisition/relocation of structures from willing sellers

-   Elevation of flood-prone structures

-   Development of state or local mitigation standards

-   Development of comprehensive hazard mitigation programs

-   Preparedness/response equipment and services

-   Building code enforcement

-   Public awareness campaigns

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   To be **eligible** for the HMGP, a project must:

    -   Be in conformance with the State Hazard Mitigation Plan

    -   Have beneficial impact on the designated disaster area

    -   Be in conformance with applicable environmental regulations

    -   Solve a problem independently or as part of a larger project

    -   Be cost effective and substantially reduce the risk of future
        damage, hardship, loss or suffering resulting from a major
        disaster

**[Acquisition of Hazard-Prone Structures and Areas]{.underline}**

-   Because it is such an important mitigation technique, acquisition
    deserves further discussion.

-   Acquisition or **"buyout"** of structures and areas is a **central
    element** of many state mitigation strategies. With HMGP funding, it
    has been possible for thousands of homes in floodplain, coastal
    inundation and other hazardous areas to be acquired, and the
    residents **voluntarily relocated** to safer housing sites.

> **\[PowerPoint 31.15 Hurricane Floyd buyout\]**

-   Under the HMGP, the **local government** must be willing and able to
    **maintain the property as open space**, forever keeping the land
    out of the development stream.

    -   Such long-term maintenance may be **costly,** and also means
        that the local government will no longer receive **tax revenue**
        from the acquired property.

-   In the **long term**, however, acquisition often is a
    **cost-effective strategy** for communities with properties that are
    repeatedly subject to hazard impacts.

    -   It may be less expensive to acquire and demolish high-risk
        buildings than to provide repeated disaster assistance for
        repairs and emergency services.

**\[PowerPoint 31.16 HMGP acquisition Wrightsville Beach, NC\]**

-   Acquisition can help achieve other important **community goals**,
    such as floodplain management, natural resource conservation,
    provision of safe and affordable housing, open space, park and
    recreation areas.