Flood Mitigation Program

The Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant is a federal initiative administered through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, aimed at reducing or eliminating the risk of repetitive flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program operates as part of a national effort to support mitigation projects that proactively address flood risks for properties that have experienced or are at high risk of repeated flood events. The funding is sourced from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and it emphasizes community-scale solutions that promote resilience and sustainability. Participation is limited to communities in good standing with the NFIP, thereby ensuring that supported projects are both compliant and aligned with national floodplain management objectives. The grant program provides multiple types of funding opportunities, each tailored to a specific stage or type of flood mitigation activity. Advance Assistance funding supports the preliminary development of mitigation strategies, which includes gathering the necessary data to help prioritize and design viable flood mitigation projects. This early-stage funding ensures communities can prepare well-structured and effective full applications in future cycles. Another funding category includes Community Flood Mitigation Projects, which focus on implementing cost-effective, environmentally sustainable projects that reduce flood risk for multiple properties. These may involve natural floodplain restoration or infrastructure improvements that directly benefit properties covered by the NFIP. Additionally, the program offers Flood Mitigation Planning Grants. These are smaller awards, not exceeding $25,000, and are specifically limited to supporting the flood hazard component of broader hazard mitigation plans. These funds are to be used in accordance with criteria outlined in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 201, which sets planning standards for mitigation grants. Importantly, these planning funds are designed to help communities build the foundational documentation necessary to qualify for larger mitigation investments in subsequent grant rounds. Eligibility is limited to municipalities that maintain good standing within the NFIP. This restriction ensures accountability and alignment with national flood insurance and mitigation priorities. Notably, individuals are not eligible to apply directly for this program. Instead, eligible entities such as local governments must serve as applicants on behalf of their communities. To be considered for funding, entities must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the State Hazard Mitigation Office. This step is critical to access the annual listing of projects. For the Swift Current cycle, the LOI period is open through December 30, 2024, and must be completed prior to application submission. Applications for the Swift Current cycle are submitted through FEMA’s Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) portal, which will be open from December 9, 2024, through February 14, 2025. While no specific application components are listed on the Commonwealth site, applicants are typically required to complete a full application within FEMA GO, incorporating relevant project narratives, supporting documentation, and any planning materials where applicable. Support is available through the mitigation office, which can be contacted by email for further guidance. This program is recurring and operates on an annual cycle, with letters of intent typically required in advance of application periods. Based on the most recent dates and the nature of the program, applicants can expect future funding rounds to follow a similar timeline. While awards are not specified in this cycle, the planning grant ceiling is clearly defined, and future applicants can anticipate timelines and structures consistent with previous cycles. The Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant is a vital resource for communities seeking to reduce their long-term exposure to flood hazards while improving public safety and resilience through well-planned, coordinated mitigation efforts.