Here is an annoucement from the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). Grant money is available through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to all Vermont communities for hazard mitigation projects.
All inquiries, questions or concerns regarding the HMGP grants should be sent to Ray Doherty, the VT State Hazard Mitigation Officer by email at ray.doherty@state.vt.us or by phone at (802) 241-5258 (office).
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
5th Round
The State of
Vermont has received an extension from FEMA for the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP) in connection with Tropical Storm Irene.
The Vermont
Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is now accepting
HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties
in connection with the most recent disasters. The HMGP program is funded
through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by
the VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
Federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of project costs. Applicants
are responsible for the 25% local match requirement.
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 or property acquisition (buy-out), structural elevations or
relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, remediation of stream bank
erosion, flood proofing of municipal buildings, etc. This is an
opportunity for repetitive loss structures, businesses, and other buildings
located in the 100-year flood plain to consider elevation, relocation or
acquisition. Project proposals need not be directly connected to flooding
from the most recent declared disasters. Towns may also apply for a grant
to develop a local hazard mitigation plan or mitigation initiative
projects.
You may
download the HMGP application from our agency’s website at www.vem.vermont.gov or you may
contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for an application. On
DEMHS’ website, first go to the Mitigation Tab, and then click on HMGP
Application and 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 (SFHA) has been identified
in the community. Please contact the Agency of Natural Resources
state floodplain coordinator, Rob Evans, for additional information on applying
for NFIP membership: tel (802) 490-6152 or via email at rob.evans@state.vt.us
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 may be available from DEMHS mitigation
staff if you make a prior appointment.
Deadline
for 5th Round HMGP applications: Friday, July 12, 2013.
If you wish
to apply for an HMGP grant, please submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to DEMHS by
June 7. The LOI should include a brief description of your proposal
and the total estimated cost of your project. Please indicate if you’ll
need assistance in completing the application or benefit cost analysis.
Please submit LOIs and completed applications to:
Ray Doherty, State Hazard Mitigation Officer
VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671
VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671
Tel
(802) 241-5258 (office)
Email: ray.doherty@state.vt.us
Email: ray.doherty@state.vt.us
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 Committee and FEMA.
