State Announces Disaster and Flood Mitigation Program Funding

Flooding along coastal road in Eastham.

HYANNIS – The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has announced the availability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 2019 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and 2019 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program funding.

The federal grant programs provide funding for actions to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from future disasters.

Federally funded mitigation grants, on average, can save $6 in future disaster cost for every $1 spent on hazard mitigation.

“In recent years, the Commonwealth has seen its share of severe weather and other emergencies and our Administration is committed to taking action now to prepare for future disasters and climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“These hazard mitigation grants are one of many tools communities can use to become more resilient.”

This year FEMA has announced $250 million available nationally for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant and $160 million available nationally for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

State, tribal organizations, and local governments are eligible to apply as sub-applicants for these grants.

“These programs provide significant opportunities for Massachusetts communities to reduce, minimize, or eliminate potential damage to homes, business, and infrastructure from natural hazard events,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. 

“Funding for hazard mitigation plans and projects can reduce overall risks for residents across the Commonwealth.”

The State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, released in September 2018, allows the state to be eligible for these important federal funding programs.

The plan provided a national model of integrating hazard mitigation priorities with forward-looking climate change data and solutions.

The plan also recommended 108 actions for the Commonwealth to pursue to increase resilience and reduce risks and vulnerabilities to natural hazards and projected climate change.

“Responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters are critical responsibilities for big cities and small towns alike,” said Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco III.

“These mitigation grant programs provide an opportunity to invest in community resilience before the next emergency and minimize the potential impacts of a disaster.”

The federal grant programs are closely coordinated with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program which provides communities with technical support, climate change data, and planning tools to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience. 

Municipalities are invited to submit a statement of Interest by October 11.

MEMA will hold an informational webinar on Tuesday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m.

For more details and login information, visit MEMA’s webpage www.mass.gov/mema or email [email protected].

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