Governor Hochul Announces State Now Accepting Applications for $1.16 Billion in FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced State agencies, cities, towns, and Indian Tribal governments can now apply for federal funding through the $1.16 billion Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs to assist with mitigation projects designed to strengthen resiliency against future national disasters such as severe floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. The application period is open through November 30, 2021 to apply for funds using the Federal Emergency Management Agency's online system, FEMA GO. The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will review the applications and assist applicants with questions on the process.

"I am urging local governments to apply for these important federal dollars that help support mitigation and preparedness efforts against natural disasters," Governor Hochul said. "As we've witnessed with Fred, Henri and Ida in recent months, New York State is no stranger to extreme weather events resulting in flooding and devastation, particularly in disadvantaged communities. My partners in local government should strongly consider applying for this critical funding that will help us in our fight against the effects of climate change on our state."

This year, BRIC and FMA will prioritize projects that benefit disadvantaged communities in alignment with the guiding principle of promoting equity through implementation of the Justice40 Initiative. These pre-disaster programs fund projects that help improve resiliency, reduce disaster suffering, and avoid future disaster costs, especially in disadvantaged and at-risk communities that are often disproportionately impacted by climate change.

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy said, "We are urging communities across the State to apply for FEMA hazard mitigation funds to complete projects benefiting their citizens and improve their preparedness for future natural disasters. These funds will allow communities to reduce their vulnerability, protect lives and strengthen their ability to address changing climate conditions."

These nationally competitive mitigation grants do not cover immediate needs or repairs from recent severe storms. These grants are to assist in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Each of the grant programs limits maximum project cost and the corresponding federal share. Applicants cover the remaining project cost after the federal share has been applied.

For information on available resources for survivors of Ida, visit www.ny.gov/ida.

For more information, please visit www.dhses.ny.gov/recovery/ or contact DHSES Mitigation at [email protected].

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires, and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.