OVERVIEW: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funds to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to severe repetitive loss (SRL) structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Grants are given to fund the following activities for SRL properties only:
- Acquisition, demolition, or relocation of at risk structures and conversion of the property to open space
- Elevation of existing structures to at least the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or an Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) or higher. For the SRL program only, mitigation reconstruction is permitted only when traditional elevation cannot be implemented
- Minor physical localized flood reduction projects
- Dry Floodproofing (historic properties only)
The federal government will generally cover 75% with a state cost share of 25%. Up to 90% Federal cost-share funding can be achieved for projects approved in states, territories, and federally-recognized Indian tribes with FEMA-approved Standard or Enhanced Mitigation Plans or Indian tribal plans that include a strategy for mitigating existing and future SRL properties.
TIMETABLE: Check with your your state lead for dates and deadlines.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Local governments, tribes and some non-profits submit projects to the state which then selects applications based on predetermined priorities set forth in a disaster-specific Mitigation Strategy to send to FEMA for final approval. Before applying we recommend that you explore FEMA’s Grant Applicant Resources page which provides extensive guidance to applicants.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: See the FEMA Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) grant program page or contact your state lead.
TAGS: funding, structural