FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Programs. Hazard Mitigation GP

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FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Programs
Introduction
FEMA is division of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (EPR/DHS) that offers assistance to federally declared disasters. The basis upon which FEMA provides assistance is described by the Stafford Act. As a country that experiences flooding, Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program is used to reduce the effects of flooding while Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is used to ensure the country has mitigation measures in place. On the other hand, the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program is used to offer tribal assistance and Non-profit Security Grant Program offers assistance to private entities. Although grants under these programs are awarded to government entities, nonprofits organizations, and tribal communities, the funds are intended to benefit everyone.
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP)
This grant program was established in 1968 by Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act. The objective of FMAGP is to lessen the effect of flooding on public and private facilities. The program provides affordable insurance to asset owners, renters, and business entities by encouraging members of the public to embrace and implement floodplain management practices. The grants offered by FEMA under FMAGP are mostly used by state and local governments in regions that are prone to flooding. For instance, In July this year, Greene, Columbiana, Mercer, and Montgomery counties from Ohio received $18.1 million after experiencing flooding and destruction that was caused by the Memorial Day Storm (Mosby, 2019). A large portion of this grant was used to repair and remove debris. A major disadvantage with grants offered under FMAGP is that they are usually much less than what is required for fully recovery.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
HMGP was established in 1988, by Section 404 of the Stafford Act. The main of HMGP is to help the public entities in implementing long-term risk alleviation measures after the declaration of a major disaster. For instance, a project to raise a home decreases the risk of flood destruction from future floods while purchasing sandbags and using pumps lessens the risk of destruction from one flood. Since hazard mitigation is implemented across the country, individuals businesses, and private non-profit entities are allowed to apply for HMGP funding. However, the application can only be submitted to FEMA via a state agency, local government ...