HMA programs and awards must conform to 44 CFR Part 9, which incorporates the requirements of EO 11988, as amended by EO 13690 and EO 11990. Applicants and subapplicants must review all proposed actions to determine whether they are in the floodplain or wetland. In accordance with EO 11988, as amended, and EO 11990, FEMA must complete an eight-step decision-making process for proposed actions located in the 1% annual chance floodplain (or 0.2% annual chance floodplain for critical actions) and proposed actions that have the potential to affect or be affected by a floodplain or wetland (refer to Figure 5).
As part of the eight-step decision-making process, FEMA must consider alternative locations to determine whether the floodplain or wetland is the only practicable location for that action. Applicants and subapplicants must document alternatives considered as part of their scoping process to assist FEMA in facilitating this decision-making process. If the floodplain or wetland is the only practicable location, the applicant/subapplicant must avoid or must minimize adverse impacts to the floodplain or wetland. For more information on floodplain management requirements, refer to Part 4.