About
The FMA grant is a nationwide competition for funds to plan or implement projects that reduce or eliminate repetitive flood damage to structures under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
All projects must to aligned to goals and objectives identified in the current, FEMA-approved, local, state or tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) or Flood Mitigation Plan (FMP). Funds can be used for planning, identifying hazards and assessing risk, or projects.
Healthy watershed options like floodplain restoration, greenspace and bioretention can be eligible for FEMA funding if they are included in your community’s FMP and HMP.
Each year, during the application cycle, FEMA will release the funding amount and the year’s priorities.
Local governments are sub-applicants and must apply to their state Hazard Mitigation Officer during the open application cycle. Applications that meet the program requirements are prioritized and forwarded on to FEMA Regional Office where the funding decisions based on agency priorities and the most effective use of grant funds.
The more the plan or project will reduce repetitive claims to the NFIP, the more likely it will be funded. Local flood reduction projects (bioretenion, etc) must be in an area that includes at least 50% NFIP insured structures.
Project Info
Lake County, Illinois promotes their voluntary flood prone property buyout program to reduce the cycle of flood-damage-rebuild-repeat. The message to the property owners and the community is that buyouts reduce the future costs to taxpayers by avoiding evacuation, emergency shelter, debris removal, etc. The brochure is a great way to provide no-pressure information to potential buyout participants.
More Info/Resources
FEMA FMA Website