The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster. Unlike the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) more familiar disaster assistance programs that help pay for the permanent repair and restoration of existing facilities, the HMGP goes beyond simply fixing the damage. The HMGP will, within the limits of state and federal guidelines, help fund a wide range of new projects that reduce hazard vulnerability and the potential of future damage.

The State of Arkansas, through ADEM, administers the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). (Section 404 of Public Law 93-288, as amended, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act).

The cost share for HMGP projects is 75% FEMA and 25% local. There is no State share.

To be eligible for mitigation funding, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be an active participant in a current FEMA-approved Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• The jurisdiction in which the applicant resides must be an active participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if the project site falls within the 100 year floodplain.
• The proposed project must be in conformance with the current FEMA-approved State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• The proposed project must be cost-effective and substantially reduce the risk of future damage.
• The proposed project must be environmentally sound.