Frequently Asked Questions About Mitigation

How do I know if my community is in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

A: Participation in the NFIP is voluntary. The community building official or planning office will know if your community participates. Likewise a local insurance agent will know.

If my community is not in the NFIP how do we join?

A: Your community's elected body whether it is county commission or city council will have to pass a resolution indicating the desire to join the NFIP, an application will have to be completed, a local ordinance will have to be passed which contains protective floodplain development standards and the full package must be reviewed and approved by one of FEMA's regional offices. More information about this can be obtained from a regional office.

Why does my community have to adopt an ordinance to join the NFIP?

A: The NFIP is based upon an agreement between the federal government and a community that if the community manages development which may occur in hazard prone areas then flood insurance can be available. The rational is that if a community does its part in attempting to avoid future flood damages - by adopting protective building codes - then the community is allowed the opportunity for its citizens to purchase flood insurance.

Our community has very protective zoning measures and development criteria governing our floodplain areas. Because of this the chance of flood damage is minimal. The community next door is not so careful. Shouldn't the cost of our flood insurance be less?

A: It can be less. Through the Community Rating System (CRS), a program within the NFIP, the cost of flood insurance can be less for those communities which have a highly protective local program. It is necessary for a community interested in the CRS to apply for these credits. The nearest FEMA regional office should be contacted about the CRS.

If a community agrees to adopt an ordinance governing development in a floodplain area and joins the NFIP, how is its staff going to know how enforce the intricacies of the ordinance?

A: Staff from FEMA's regional offices and staff from the State NFIP Coordinating Office are available to conduct visits to the community and explain the technical details of the ordinance. Also, workshops are available as well as publications. A community official should contact a FEMA regional office to learn of the full range of technical assistance opportunities.

What are the names of the three national model building code organizations and what do they do? How can I get more information about them?

(1) BOCA - Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. BOCA is responsible for the development of the National Building Code (NBC) which is adopted as law by many New England and upper Midwest states and local government legislative bodies to regulate construction within their jurisdictio n. The building code establishes minimum acceptable requirements necessary for addressing property damage and preserving the public health, safety and welfare in the built environment.

(2) SBCCI - Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. is responsible for the development of the Standard Building Code (SBC) which is adopted by many Southern states.

(3) ICBO - International Conference of Building Officials is responsible for the development of the Uniform Building Code (UBC) which is adopted by many Western states.

Who is eligible for grants under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)?

A. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is only available to applicants that reside within a Presidentially declared disaster area. Specifically, the HMGP can provide grants to state and local governments; certain private, non-profit organizations and institutions; Indian tribes or authorized tribal organiza tions, and Alaska Native villages or organizations. Local governments may also sponsor an application on behalf of individuals.

What types of projects can be funded by the HMGP?

A. HMGP funds may be used to fund projects which will reduce or eliminate the losses from future disasters. Projects must provide a long term solution to a problem, for example, elevation of a home to reduce the risk of flood damages as opposed to buying sandbags and pumps to fight the flood. In addition, a project's potential savings must be more than the cost of implementing the project. Funds may be used to protect either public or private property or to purchase property which has been subjected to, or is in danger of, repetitive damage. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

• Acquisition and relocation of structures from hazard-prone areas;
• Strengthening structures against floods, high winds, wildfire, or other hazards to protect structures from future damage
• Elevating structures to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Development of State or local standards to protect new and substantially improved structures from disaster damage

The States are responsible for administering the HMGP and prioritizing projects submitted by local jurisdictions, forwarding to FEMA those which are consistent with State mitigation planning objectives and for which there is a vailable funding.How do I apply?

A. Following a disaster declaration, the State will advertise that HMGP funding is available to fund mitigation projects in the State. Those interested in applying to the HMGP should contact their local government to begin the application process. Local governments should contact their State Hazard Mitiga tion Officer.

How much money is available in the HMGP?

A. The amount of funding available for the HMGP under a particular disaster declaration is limited. HMGP funds are allocated according to a legislated formula based upon the magnitude of total FEMA disaster dollars expended in a State. The formula provides 15% of FEMA's estimated total disaster costs available in the form of HMGP funds. It is the responsibility of the State to set priorities and allocate funding among applicants which meet State program objectives.

FEMA can fund up to 75% of the eligible costs of each project. The State or grantee must provide a 25% match, which can be fashioned from a combination of cash and in-kind sources. Funding from other Federal sources cannot b e used for the 25% share with one exception. Funding provided to States under the Community Development Block Grant program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development can be used to meet the non-federal share requirement.

How are projects selected for funding, and by whom?

A. The State, as grantee, is responsible for defining a project identification and selection process, ranking and prioritizing projects for funding, and forwarding projects to FEMA for approval. States evaluate projects according to the State's Hazard Mitigation Plan priorities. Approved projects are carried out by the applicant, or subgrantee. Information regarding your State's Hazard Mitigation Plan priorities is available from your State Hazard Mitigation Officer.

How long will it take to get my project approved under the HMGP?

A. The approval process for a project application can be an extensive process. Once eligible projects are selected by the State, they are forwarded to the FEMA Regional Office where they are reviewed to ensure compliance with Federal laws and regulations. One such law is the National Environmental Policy Act , passed by Congress in 1970, which requires FEMA to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of each proposed project. The time required for the environmental review depends on the complexity of the project.

How can I get more information about the HMGP?

A. For further information on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, contact your State Hazard Mitigation Officer or the FEMA Mitigation Division in your Region.

National Flood Insurance Program Frequently Asked Questions