Explaining Mitigation Programs

Tribes may be eligible for HMGP funding after a declared disaster. If the tribe is a sub-recipient of the State, partnership with the State is important to ensure that potential tribal projects are identified and included for eligibility review. The State accepts and prioritizes the projects for eligibility review. If the tribal project is selected, the project is submitted by the State to FEMA for eligibility review and approval. If the tribe is the recipient, the amount of damage on tribal lands determines the amount of HMGP funds available. Projects will go directly to FEMA from the tribal government.

Mitigation programs such as Flood Mitigation Assistance and Pre-Disaster Mitigation offer non-disaster funding for mitigation projects.

NFIP participation can provide tribes with improved insurance coverage and an incentive for developers.

Leveraging Funding

Matching funds for mitigation grants can come from a variety of sources.

In-kind contributions of goods and services are allowed as partial matches for most mitigation programs. The tribal government's expenditure of goods and services may be considered part of the cash match under FMA.

Federal funds from Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and those awarded for self-determination contracts by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services can potentially be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements. Refer to the specific authority statute to verify whether funds can match other Federal grant programs and check with the contracting officer.

Loan funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Farmer's Home Administration lose their Federal identity once the loan to the individual is approved. Therefore, homeowners can supply funds from either of these sources to match mitigation grant funds.

Increased Cost of Compliance coverage benefits under the National Flood Insurance Program may be used for elevation and/or acquisition location costs.