Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Mitigation Forms

HMGP Application (Excel)

Sample HMGP Letter

On Aug. 30, 2011, the state of Vermont received a Presidential disaster declaration (DR 4022-VT) to provide assistance to communities affected by tropical storm Irene.  In addition to Public Assistance and Individual 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 a second round of 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. 

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, etc.  Project proposals need not be directly connected to flooding from the most recent disaster.  If you have a larger project (i.e. greater that $250,000) you may also consider applying for funds under the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) or Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs which are open to all Vermont communities and which can provide greater funding levels. 

   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. 

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.  Applications submitted without the BCA are automatically disqualified.   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 and a FEMA representative if you make a prior appointment. 

Deadline for HMGP applications:   Friday, March 16, 2012.   Applications will not be accepted past the deadline.

Please submit applications to:

       Ray Doherty, State Hazard Mitigation Officer
       Vermont Emergency Management
       103 South Main Street
       Waterbury, VT  05671
       Tel: 802 241-5258 or E-mail:  rdoherty@dps.state.vt.us

   Applications should be submitted in hard copy (paper) format and also electronically as a PDF or scanned file.  

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.