Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to implement hazard mitigation measures following a Presidentially declared disaster. Hazard mitigation actions are any action taken to reduce or eliminate the long term risks to people and property from natural hazards. HMGP funding is made available, when authorized, for hazard mitigation planning and projects. HMGP funding is made available to the State (Applicant) based on the estimated total Federal assistance FEMA provides for disaster recovery under the Presidential declaration.

Grants are designed to assist local communities, States, Federally recognized Tribes and Territories with implementing mitigation measures during the reconstruction process. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding in future disasters.

Who can Participate in the HMGP Program?

Under the HMGP, eligible sub applicants such as Local Governments, Tribal Agencies, Private Nonprofits, State Agencies may apply for HMGP grants through the State. Federally recognized Tribal authorities apply through the State or independently (at their choice). Individuals must seek assistance and apply through their local Parish governing authority to the State.

What Projects are Funded Through HMGP Grants?

Eligible applicants develop project applications based on mitigation goals and strategies included in the local and state mitigation plans. For HMGP, program sub applicants will prioritize their projects and submit to GOHSEP. After GOHSEP reviews the sub application and submits to FEMA, FEMA will review and approve the sub applications to fund based on compliance with HMA guidance, eligibility of the proposed activity and cost, completeness of the application, cost-effectiveness, engineering feasibility and eligibility and availability of non-federal cost share.

The program:

• Awards planning, project grants and 5 Percent Initiative Projects.
• Specific project types eligible for HMGP assistance are identified in the chart to the right.

Application Process

Authorized sub applicants submit mitigation planning and project applications to GOHSEP. Applications MUST be submitted using the online system GOHSEPGrants.la.gov. Accessing GOHSEPGrants requires a login. 

To access as a NEW USER, contact your GOHSEP Hazard Mitigation (HM) State Applicant Liaison (SAL) to request access. Federally recognized Tribal governments NOT applying through the State, contact FEMA directly.

HMGP applications must include the following information in order to be considered for review and funding. All applications submitted must include the following:

• A Scope of Work
• A Work Schedule
• A Detailed Cost Estimate
• Proof of Cost-Effectiveness and feasibility (projects) Benefit Cost ratio greater than 1.0
• Documentation of EHP Compliance (project)
• Assurance Forms:
  • FF-112-0-2: Budget Information Construction Programs
  • FF-112-0-3: Summary Sheet for Assurances and Certifications
  • FF-112-0-3A: Assurances – Non-construction  programs
  • FF-112-0-3B: Assurances – Construction Program
  • FF-112-0-3C: Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, and Other

Applications are forwarded to FEMA Region VI for review and approval.

HMGP funds are awarded to States, U.S. Territories and Federal-recognized Tribal Applicants, who then provide sub awards (also called sub grants) to eligible local, State agency or other government sub applicants (also called Sub recipients). 

When is the Application Period?

HMGP sub applications must be submitted to FEMA within 12 months of the date of the Presidentially declared disaster. Once a declaration is received, notification will be sent to all eligible sup applicants. The review and award process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the project.

Additional Information

Please see the HMA Guidance available on FEMA's website: http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance for more information on the HMGP program.

Examples of Eligible HMGP Activities 

• Property Acquisition and Structure Demolition
• Property Acquisition and Structure Relocation
• Structure Elevation
• Mitigation Reconstruction
• Dry Flood proofing of Historic Residential Structures
• Dry Flood proofing of Non-Residential Structures
• Generators
• Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects
• Non-Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects
• Structural Retrofitting of Existing buildings
• Non-Structural Retrofitting of Existing Buildings and Facilities
• Safe Room Construction
• Wind Retrofit for One and Two Family Residences
• Infrastructure Retrofit
• Soil Stabilization
• Wildfire Mitigation
• Post Disaster Code Enforcement
• Advance Assistance
• 5 % Initiative Projects
• Miscellaneous/Other
• Planning Related Activities
• Technical Assistance
• Management Cost