FEMA opens $660 million grant application process to build resilient infrastructure and communities

EMA will open applications on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 for two hazard mitigation grant programs totaling $660 million.

The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities. These programs allow for funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses and strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness.

This will be the first time FEMA has offered the BRIC grant, which was made possible by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, allowing for a stable funding source to fund mitigation projects annually.

“BRIC represents significant work and support from Congress, our partners across the country and our staff to form, and now finally implement, this grant,” said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. “We know that mitigation measures save lives and prevent disaster damages, but now we are taking an active step in ensuring we build our nation’s infrastructure to withstand the hazards we face.”

The new BRIC grant is for pre-disaster mitigation activities and replaces FEMA’s existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program. BRIC will offer $500 million in grants to help support states, tribes, territories and communities throughout the nation as they design and begin new infrastructure projects – projects that will reduce future disaster recovery costs and help save lives. The program will also provide incentives to local governments to adopt and enforce modern building codes.

FEMA is also opening the application period for the Flood Mitigation Assistance grants. There is $160 million available in flood mitigation grants, with $70 million of that amount set aside for community flood mitigation projects.

These grants are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings that are insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. Projects are selected based on the cost-effectiveness and eligibility of the proposal. FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion on more than 2,900 flood mitigation projects since these grants began in 1996.

Both grant applications will be open from Sept. 30 – Jan. 21, 2021. Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO). Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

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