Hazard Mitigation Information & Support
Hazard Mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and their property from hazards.
Hazard mitigation funds are available to municipalities and other organizations to help reduce or eliminate loss of life and property by taking measures to reduce the impacts of future disasters.
The Vermont Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Team supports other state agencies, non-profits, Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in applying for and implementing projects under Hazard Mitigation grant programs. We also support Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in conducting natural hazard mitigation planning, and developing FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.
Sample of successful FEMA-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities
Sample of successful VEM-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities
2022 Hazard Mitigation Funding Opportunities
Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF) was established by the Vermont Legislature under Act 74 with the intent of improving landscape and community resilience and reducing the future public safety and water quality impacts of flood hazards in Vermont, focusing on buyouts of flood-vulnerable properties. This program will prioritize projects that are not eligible for FEMA funding. Available funding is $14,750,000 in fiscal year 2023. Application will be accepted on a rolling basis as funding allows.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states and local communities for mitigation activities. The funding available in 2022 is $2 million for federal share set-aside for Vermont with up to $1 million available for planning activities. Funding can be used for Project Scoping to project implementation. Current round of applications due December 9, 2022.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program funds states, local communities, tribes, and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Current round of applications due December 9, 2022.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is opening for the major disaster declared for flooding in July 2021. President Biden has authorized FEMA to provide the State of Vermont funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Entities interested in applying do not necessarily need to have damages due to July 2021 flooding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a State application deadline on February 3rd, 2023.
Questions can be directed to: DPS.HazardMitigation@vermont.gov.