FMA is a competitive program that provides funding to states, local communities, federally recognized tribes and territories. Funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of flood damage to structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 amended Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and directed FEMA to provide financial assistance in the form of grants for planning and carrying out activities designed to reduce the risk of flood damage to structures covered under contracts for flood insurance with the NFIP.[38] The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 consolidated the Repetitive Flood Claims and Severe Repetitive Loss grant programs into FMA.[39] FMA regulations can be found at 44 CFR Part 77.
FMA funding is available through the National Flood Insurance Fund for flood hazard mitigation activities and plan development and is appropriated by Congress on a yearly basis. States, territories and federally recognized tribes [40] are eligible to apply for FMA assistance. NFIP participation is required to be eligible for funding; subapplicants must also be in “good standing” with the NFIP. FEMA publishes an up-to-date community status on the “Community Status Book” webpage. Local governments and non-federally recognized tribes are considered subapplicants and must apply to their applicant state, territory or federally recognized tribe. Annual priorities and other program information is communicated through the NOFO.
The period of performance for FMA is outlined in the NOFO. The relevant fiscal year NOFO should be referenced to verify conditions pertaining to the start, duration and end of the period of performance.
All applicants and subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved mitigation plan that has been adopted by the jurisdiction in accordance with 44 CFR Part 201 and applicable mitigation planning policies to apply for and receive FMA funding.[41] Other eligibility requirements include that mitigation activities must be technically feasible and cost-effective, or eliminate future payments from the National Flood Insurance Fund for severe repetitive loss structures through an acquisition or relocation activity).[42]
For more FMA guidance, refer to Part 10. Table 2 provides a high-level summary of the programs covered by this guide.
Table 2. HMA Program Comparison
| HMA Program Comparison | HMGP | HMGP Post Fire | BRIC | FMA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Post-disaster | Post-disaster | Pre-disaster | Pre-disaster |
| Funding Availability | Presidentially declared disaster | FMAG-declared disaster | 6% set aside from federal post-disaster grant funding | Annual appropriations |
| Competitive? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Eligible Applicants | States, federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia (DC) | States, federally recognized tribes, territories and DC | States, federally recognized tribes, territories and DC | States, federally recognized tribes, territories and DC |
| Eligible Subapplicants | State agencies, local governments, tribes and private nonprofit organizations | State agencies, local governments, tribes and private nonprofit organizations | State agencies, local governments and tribes | State agencies, local governments and tribes |
| Hazard Mitigation Plan Requirement | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NFIP Participation | Communities with projects in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) | Communities with projects in SFHAs | Communities with projects in SFHAs | Subapplicants and properties |