Archived: Ecosystem Service Benefits in Benefit-Cost Analysis for FEMA’s Mitigation Programs Policy
FEMA Policy FP-108-024-02: This policy allows for ecosystem service benefits to be included in a mitigation project’s Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) regardless of the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). Ecosystem service benefits are positive effects provided to people by nature, such as aesthetic value, air quality, recreation space, and water filtration.
By removing the previous BCR threshold, ecosystem service benefits can be used for all project types eligible under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) and Public Assistance (PA) 406 mitigation programs that support the incorporation of ecosystem service benefits and result in the improvement of the natural environment.
This policy was effective from September 28, 2020 through March 22, 2023.