FEMA PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION (PDM)

GRANT PROGRAM – FY 2019

Every year, FEMA releases a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant program. Authorized by the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5133 and funded by annual Congressional appropriations, PDM is designed to help states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding in future disasters.

These funds can be used for mitigation projects and planning activities with federal funding available for up to 75 percent of eligible project activity costs.

On October 5, 2018, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) was signed into law, providing for major reforms to FEMA Programs, including Section 1234, which are the reforms to FEMA’s PDM Program. This includes a vastly restructured PDM Program with an expanded National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund as well as many other sub-applicant opportunities for project work. Among its changes include:

With respect to each major disaster, the President may set aside from the Disaster Relief Fund an amount equal to six percent of the estimated aggregate amount of the grants to be made under Sections 403, 406, 407, 408, 410, 416, and 428 in order to provide technical and financial assistance. At the rate and intensity of the occurrence of disaster events, this is likely to equate to billions of dollars in mitigation funding in a given year, including increased PDM Grant Program funding;

Two (2) new criteria for PDM award assistance:

1) The extent to which the assistance will fund activities that increase the level of resiliency; and

2) Allows the establishment and implementation of the latest adopted editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications and standards (even if adopted after a disaster) that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs;

Authorization of new technical and financial assistance category for the establishment and carrying out of enforcement activities;

Minimizes certain funding reductions for communities receiving assistance, including lifting many previous program ‘per applicant’ funding caps and provides opportunities for more ambitious hazard mitigation work and post-disaster resilient reconstruction projects;

Provides further protection to communities to receive and retain federal assistance they deserve.

Allows FEMA to withdraw PDM assistance made available to a state that remains unobligated by the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal year in which it was obligated and redistribute it on a competitive basis to other states that had received a major disaster declaration in the previous seven years- which means potential more funding for statewide sub-applicant projects!

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Although the NOFO for the FY 2019 PDM Program grants has not yet been announced, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) [DHSEM is the designated applicant for this grant program responsible for soliciting sub-applications from eligible sub-applicants] encourages early submission of Notice of Interest (NOI) forms to them to allow more time for the state to assist in the application preparation and review process.

To qualify, sub-applicants must have a current FEMA-approved Local or Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) by the application deadline and it must be valid at the time of federal obligation of the grant funds. Applications for updating or developing a new mitigation plan do not have to meet this requirement.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

CDR|M Emergency Management, a division of CDR Maguire (CDR|M), is a full-service Emergency Management consulting firm. Our team of knowledgeable professionals has proven experience assisting states, municipalities, tribal governments, private not-for-profits, school and special districts, energy cooperatives and other eligible applicants in preparing for and recovering from disasters. Our extensive knowledge of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), Public Assistance (PA), and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs has allowed us to advise and benefit clients from coast to coast on all facets of Emergency Management. CDR|M ‘s Team can work with staff to prioritize goals, identify funding sources, minimize complexity, and formulate a practical plan that will maximize short and long-term recovery.

MITIGATING HAZARDS

CDR|M provides our clients and impacted communities and stakeholders with a local and nationally recognized team of disaster / emergency and hazard mitigation planners and technical experts. Our team can coordinate closely with both your local jurisdictions, businesses, and residents to develop robust hazard mitigation plans that are implementable, and truly integrated with other community planning processes. Only by reducing or eliminating the long-term risk of hazards, can a community begin to accomplish increased resiliency towards them.

MAXIMIZING RECOVERY

The CDR|M Team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice. We can assist by conducting damage assessments, providing EOC support, formulating project worksheets, utilizing the FEMA Grants Portal, and packaging documentation for closeout. Our team of grant managers and subject matter experts work with community leaders to be sure the appropriate staff members are available during each phase of recovery.

FEMA’s latest Public Assistance (PA) Model utilizes a web-based Grants Management portal that acts as an online storehouse for FEMA required documentation. The new model puts much of the responsibility for project documentation and justification on applicants; learning how to utilize and navigate the portal properly is essential in advancing a community’s recovery. CDR|M ’s Team is well-versed in the FEMA Grant Portal and can provide guidance to expedite your project formulation, scoping and obligations.

MINIMIZING IMPACT

CDR|M believes that mitigation and preparedness are the cornerstones of any emergency management program. Knowing and staying up to date on current policy can be quite a significant battle for smaller EM teams and, that is why we are here. CDR|M establishes effective plans that are compliant with existing policies and regulations for communities. Blue skies are the best time to prepare; let CDR|M demonstrate how to leverage grant management dollars.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Contact us, now, for a Complimentary Assessment / Consultation Session…

Contact our experts for more information on FEMA’s PDM Grant Program, disaster / emergency and hazard mitigation planning requirements, as well as the new DRRA impacts and opportunities. We offer a ‘one-stop shop’ to help you determine if your project ideas are eligible under today’s grant funding requirements, or for other funding and/or alternative delivery options. Our team has the experience and expertise to ensure any PDM NOI and sub-applicant applications are developed in a comprehensive and competitive way to increase your chances at being selected for state and federal grant monies.

Michael Garner
Planning Program Manager
357 S. McCaslin Blvd, Ste 200, Louisville, CO 80027
C: 303-710-9498
Michael.Garner@cdrmaguire.com

Caraly A. Foreman
Emergency Management Business Development, Strategic Planning, and Funding Specialist
357 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 200, Louisville, CO 80027 C: 512-850-8060
Caraly.Foreman@cdrmaguire.com

For more about us go to WWW.CDR-EM.COM

We look for opportunities to help make your community more resilient so you can stand out as a thriving community for current and future generations!

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