Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), also known as 404 Mitigation, is funded by FEMA and administered by the state of Oklahoma. While related to disasters, the HMGP is not a disaster relief program for individual disaster victims or a recovery program that funds repairs to public property damaged during a disaster. It is a mitigation grant designed to:
- Prevent or reduce future loss of lives and property through the identification and funding of cost-effective mitigation measures.
- Minimize the costs of future disaster response and recovery.
HMGP can fund mitigation measures that protect both public and private property, so long as the measures fit within the overall mitigation strategy for the applicant, are cost effective, and comply with all federal and state program guidelines.
OEM HMGP Updates for Oklahoma
November 8, 2024
Historically, OEM has accepted HMGP applications on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. This process was set up around 2010 when Oklahoma had more mitigation funding than projects to fund. However, as mitigation projects have become more popular in the past 15 years, conditions have shifted and the first-come, first-served process has proven inefficient and burdensome for applicants, who often face years of delays before funding becomes available and then must revise their applications when it does. A new process is now necessary.
Effective immediately, OEM is placing a temporary pause on accepting Notices of Intent (NOIs) or applications for HMGP. Jurisdictions interested in mitigation funding should instead consider the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs.
This temporary pause will allow OEM to address the backlog of past NOIs and applications, identify projects awaiting funding, and determine which applications can be submitted to FEMA. Additionally, we are updating the application in OK EMGrants to align better with FEMAGo, reducing redundant data entry requirements. Beginning with DR-4791, all HMGP applications must be submitted in FEMAGo, so we are preparing for that now.
Additionally, starting with DR-4776 and DR-4791, funding priority will be given to entities within areas declared for Public Assistance and/or Individual Assistance.
Please note that we will continue to accept NOIs for the BRIC and FMA programs, which cover the full range of HMGP project eligibility. These programs have annual funding available, and although they are highly competitive, they may provide the only option for funding larger projects.
