On August 14, 2009, Kentucky received Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-1855-DR-KY resulting from Severe Storms, Strong Straight-line Winds, Heavy Rain, and Flooding in Jefferson and Trimble counties ocurring on August 4, 2009.

In conjunction with this declaration, federal funds are now available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for eligible projects which will reduce damages from future events.

HMGP funds will cover 75% of the eligible costs of an approved project with the non-federal share typically split between the state (12%) and the local applicant (13%).  The local share may be applicant funds, in-kind services directly related to the project, or funds received from other sources which can be used to match federal funds.

HMGP projects must demonstrate a permanent reduction in disaster damages, pass a benefit/cost analysis test (if required), and avoid undue harm to the project’s environmental and historical surroundings.

Typical REGULAR eligible projects include the acquisition/demolition or elevation of flood-prone or landslide-prone structures, engineered storm water control projects (NOT including levees and dams), residential or community tornado safe-rooms and tornado shelters, flood-proofing of non-residential buildings, seismic retrofits, and utility protective measures.

Up to 10% of the HMGP funding may be used for projects whose benefit/cost analysis is difficult or impossible to do.  Typically, this category of INITIATIVE funding has been awarded for outdoor warning sirens, NOAA weather radios, other types of warning systems, and mitigation educational outreach projects.

Also, up to 7% of the available HMGP funding may be awarded for MITIGATION PLANNING projects.  This funding be used for both the State Hazard Mitigation Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.

HMGP funding received after a disaster declaration may be spent on eligible projects anywhere in the state.  However, the current State Hazard Mitigation Plan gives first priority to funding projects in the declared areas.

Eligible applicants for HMGP project funds include state agencies, counties, cities, and certain quasi-governmental and non-profit agencies.  Individuals are not eligible to apply for these funds.  Eligible applicants must also have a FEMA approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management requires that interested applicants complete the attached Pre-Application Letter of Intent to declare their interest in applying for HMGP funds and submit the completed form to the following address no later than April 15, 2010 to:

Leslie Mahoney, State Hazard Mitigation Officer

Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Recovery Branch

100 Airport Road – Third Floor

Frankfort, KY  40601

All Applicants and sub-applicants must be participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if they have been mapped through the NFIP with a Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and have been identified as having a Special Flood Hazard Area.  In addition, the Applicant/Sub-applicant must not be on probation, suspended, or withdrawn from the NFIP.  Applicants and sub-applicants that are not mapped under the NFIP are eligible.

If you have any questions about the HMGP program please feel free to contact Leslie Mahoney at (502) 607-5768 or by email at leslie.mahoney@us.army.mil.