Each year, FEMA publishes a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Flood Mitigation Grant Program. Before applying for a Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant (FMA), FEMA encourages a prospective Utility to review detailed program information which includes a grant application and administrative requirements. The process for funding opportunities can be very challenging however it is FEMA’s intention that the grant program strengthen national preparedness and resilience and supports the mitigation mission area through their strategic goal of building a culture of preparedness. The FMA grant program funds states, local communities, tribes, and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures that are insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
FEMA also released the Building Resilient infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program at the same time as the FMA Grant on August 9, 2021. The application period to apply for both the BRIC and the FMA for fiscal year 2021 will open on Sept 30, 2021 and closes at 3:00 P.M Eastern Time on January 28, 2022. Note: Applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcomes platform (FEMA GO). To apply, please visit https://go.fema.gov
For Fiscal Year 2021, FEMA will distribute up to $160 million through the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program. FEMA is directing that $1 Billion is available in the (BRIC) grant funding program. The actual awards are anticipated to be made beginning in October 2021.
The complexities of these grants and the competitive nature for presenting a best proposal for the money that is available in such a competitive environment requires that solutions to complex problems at the utilities be presented in a concise and accurate proposal for your methodology to be considered by FEMA. It is critical for costs for eligible activities to be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary as required by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E, applicable program regulations, and FEMA guidance requirements. Keep in mind that these proposals are being reviewed and compared in competition for the money that will be awarded on a nationwide basis for your project to be awarded the funding.
Jim McClaugherty, FRWA Utility Assessment Specialist is available to assist wastewater and drinking water utilities with drafting proposals and securing the FEMA Grants. He will be able to guide utilities through drafting an Environmental Assessment Proposal and completing the application for hazard mitigation reports for plant reconstruction. Mr. McClaugherty can also assist utilities with needs for an infrastructure retrofit.
