Hazard mitigation assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. "Hazard mitigation" is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.  Mitigation planning breaks the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future.

FEMA provides HMA grants to states that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments for mitigation activities such as planning, and the implementation of projects identified through the evaluation of natural hazards. Example projects include drainage improvement, power line burials, acquisition and relocation of structures, generators for critical infrastructure, and tornado saferooms. Eligible applicants can include:

• State and local governments
• Certain private, non-profit organizations
• Tribal governments

Projects must be cost effective, feasible, and meet environmental planning and historic preservation requirements. You do not have to wait for a disaster to apply. All applications must be developed and submitted in FEMA GO. The South Dakota Office of Emergency Management provides technical assistance to local entities wishing to apply for mitigation grants.  

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
& Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Post Fire

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Post Fire (HMGP-PF) are dependent on Presidential disaster declarations.  Because these two grants depend on a natural disaster, check our HMA 101 Guide to see if there may be funds available and when applications are due to the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) is an annual nationally competitive grant program that supports hazard mitigation projects to reduce the risks from disasters and natural hazards.  Because this grant is annual, the deadline to apply is typically around the beginning of December. Be sure to check our HMA 101 Guide to learn about the exact deadline.

Mitigation Assistance Resources

• South Dakota Mitigation Projects Map
• FEMA Benefit Cost Analysis
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide