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Disaster Based Funding

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as funding is available. A significant HMGP round is currently open following the July 2023 flooding in Vermont. The deadline to apply for funding will be in the spring of 2024. 

The HMGP program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is administered by Vermont Emergency Management on behalf of the state. Typically, federal funds are available to cover up to 75% of approved project costs; and there is a 25% local match requirement that is the responsibility of the applicant town. 

Typical hazard mitigation projects include: mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, mitigation outreach and education, etc. Project proposals do not need to be directly connected to damages incurred from the most recent declared disaster. 

Please note the following eligibility requirements:

  • Communities must have a FEMA approved and adopted local hazard mitigation plan. We will accept applications from towns currently lacking an approved mitigation plan, but FEMA will not release awarded project funds unless the mitigation plan has been approved by FEMA and adopted. Those towns lacking an approved plan must indicate on their HMGP application that they commit to completing a local mitigation plan within 12 months of application submittal; they can also contact their local Regional Planning Commission for assistance.
  • Communities must be in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), if a special flood hazard area (SFHA) has been identified in the community and if the proposed project is located within the SFHA. Please contact your regional Agency of Natural Resources floodplain manager for additional information on applying for NFIP membership.
  • Communities must have an adopted Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) in place. If a town currently lacks an LEMP, HMGP applications will be accepted but funds may not be released until the LEMP is in place. For assistance with LEMP development, towns may contact their local Regional Planning Commission.

HMGP applications must be completed in their entirety, 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 applicable. If you need help in completing the BCA, you may contact your local Regional Planning Commission. Some BCA assistance is also available from VEM staff by appointment only.

If you wish to apply for HMGP funding please reach out via email, telephone, or schedule a meeting with the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) to discuss your project further: 

Stephanie Smith, State Hazard Mitigation Officer 
Tel 802-989-6793
Email: stephanie.a.smith@vermont.gov

Applications should be submitted to the SHMO in electronic format such as a scanned PDF file. Applications will not be accepted if submitted past the deadline. 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. 

Note that HMGP applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed by the State Hazard Mitigation Project Review Committee at their next meeting. That is, if you have a project in mind, please develop the application regardless of current funding status, so that your project can be reviewed when new funds become available. As open periods of funding become available, a state deadline for application submittal will be noted on this page.

 

Information for Subgrantees with Approved Projects

If your agency,  municipality, RPC or private non-profit has received an award under any of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs, please consider the following information.

  • Quarterly Reports are due January 15th, April 15th, July 15th and October 15th. Failure to submit quarterly reports may result in delayed or halted reimbursement.
  • Upon project completion, and after all final reimbursement requests have been submitted, please contact Stephanie Smith to request a closeout visit.
  • Should your project require unanticipated cost overruns (potentially available, but only under HMGP) and/or scope of work alterations please contact Stephanie Smith and fill out a Grant Modification Request Form.

Eligible Applicants and/or Subapplicants

  • State
  • Local governments
  • Private non-profit organizations
  • Other quasigovernmental organizations such as Regional Planning Commissions (RPC) or Conservation Districts

Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however an eligible Applicant or Subapplicant may apply on their behalf.

To better understand how applications are reviewed by the State Hazard Mitigation Project Review Committee, please see the HMA Project Review Form.

HGMP Application Requirements

Download the 2015 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance

If you have any questions regarding your application or HMGP please contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
Stephanie Smith
802-989-6793
stephanie.a.smith@vermont.gov

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Mitigation