National Wildfire Coordinating Group

National Interagency Fire Center
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705

On September 8, 2008, FEMA issued policy direction regarding wildfire mitigation. The policy, titled “Wildfire Mitigation Policy for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program”, expands and provides for new project types for two of their grant programs. Although grant funding for vegetation management has been available for several years, their programs now also permit funding for defensible space and structure retrofit activities.

The FEMA policy is intended to ensure national consistency in the use of HMGP and PDM funds for wildfire mitigation projects. In particular, it describes the availability of these funds for (1) defensible space, (2) structural protection through the application of ignition-resistant construction, and (3) hazardous fuels reduction to protect life and property. FEMA hazard mitigation assistance for wildfires is focused only on long-term and cost-effective actions taken to reduce loss to specific property or structures, loss of function of critical facilities, and loss of human life.

The FEMA PDM and HMGP Programs will serve as important compliments to the many wildfire hazard mitigation program activities currently implemented by Federal, state, and local agencies to protect wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. These programs will address important aspects of WUI wildfire hazard mitigation by supporting private and community level mitigation activities that other programs are not authorized to fund, or for which funding is not able to meet all needs.

Eligibility and Application Process Information
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
The PDM Program was developed as an initiative to fund hazard mitigation plans and mitigation projects before disasters occur. The PDM Program competitively awards funds to states, territories, Indian tribal governments, communities, and universities for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster event. Funding these plans and projects reduce overall risks to the population and structures, while also reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations.

Local governments and non-emergency management State agencies may apply to States, Indian tribes, and territories as sub-applicants. State or local governments can apply on behalf of private non-profit organizations (i.e. FireSafe Councils or similar non-profit groups). To receive PDM funding, applicants and sub-applicants must participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if they have areas designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas.

PDM grants are to be awarded on a competitive basis and without reference to state allocations, quotas, or other formula-based allocation of funds. Applications for PDM grants are made through the Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (UHMA) application process. For specific information regarding program administration, applications, and regional/state contacts, refer to the following link:

http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pdm/index.shtm

Fiscal Year PDM Program Information for the Unified HMA Application Period: The Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (UHMA) application period is from June 19, 2008 through December 19, 2008. Applicants must submit an FY 2009 grant application to FEMA through the e Grants System by December 19, 2008, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The FY 2009 UHMA guidance has been posted and is available at the following webpage: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3309

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act. 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. FEMA HMGP grants are administered similarly to PDM funds, but with some important distinctions. State or local governments can apply on behalf of private individuals; and certain apportionment formulas are used in calculating awards to states.

Full details are available at the following webpage:

http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm

Link to other technical assistance information for application development:

http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/resources/

Please provide this information to interested State Foresters, regional and state mitigation program managers, and tribal entities regarding this new policy.

Attachment: FEMA Mitigation Policy

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