by Carrie Bartoldus
Astoria, Or – The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) under the Federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) provided new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. It continued the requirement for a standard state mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance, and provided for states to receive an increased percentage of Hazard Mitigation Grant Project funds if, at the time of the declaration of a major disaster, they have in effect a FEMA-approved Enhanced State Mitigation Plan.
A significant opportunity to reduce the nation’s disaster losses through mitigation planning was introduced through DMA 2000, in concert with other sections of the Act. In addition, implementation of planned, pre-identified, cost-effective mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery process. The Act provides a framework for linking pre- and post-disaster mitigation planning and initiatives with public and private interests to ensure an integrated, comprehensive approach to disaster loss reduction.
The language in the Act, taken as a whole, emphasizes the importance of strong State and local planning processes and comprehensive program management at the State level. The new planning criteria also supports State administration of the HMGP, and contemplate a significant State commitment to mitigation activities, comprehensive State mitigation planning, and strong program management.
The planning process also provides a link between State and local mitigation programs. Both State level and local plans should address strategies for incorporating post-disaster early mitigation implementation strategies and sustainable recovery actions. Improved mitigation planning will result in a better understanding of risks and vulnerabilities, as well as to expedite implementation of measures and activities to reduce those risks, both pre- and post-disaster.
Simply put, mitigation planning is a process for States and communities to identify policies, activities and tools to implement mitigation actions. Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event. This process has four steps:
- Organizing resources
- Assessing risks
- Developing a mitigation plan
- Implementing the plan and monitoring progress
Certain Laws, Regulations and Guidance which are addressed in mitigation planning: Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 provides the legal basis for FEMA’s mitigation plan requirements for State, local and Indian Tribal governments as a condition of mitigation grant assistance. Mitigation Planning Regulations (Interim Final Rule), as published in the Code of Federal Regulations, provide the rules for State, local and Indian Tribal governments to meet in order to be eligible for specified FEMA mitigation grants. Finally, Mitigation Planning Guidance provides additional guidance for States and local communities to meet the requirements of FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Regulations.
The grant programs that have Mitigation Plan Requirements:
Stafford Act Grant Programs
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM)
- Public Assistance (PA)
National Flood Insurance Act Grant Programs
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
- Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC)
- Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
When looking for funding of property damaged in the storm, the first place the agencies are turning to is the insurance companies. After that there is emergency funding available, as well as state funds. For those agencies that are looking at rebuilding with a mind towards mitigating damages for future disasters, applying for funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program would have to go through the Region 10 regional office for approval.
Future mitigation projects can wait for the County plan to go through but currently projects/property damaged in the current storm must file for federal funds by February 7, 2008. Local representative Gene Strong is available to help with the application process. At the state level, Dennis Sigrist, Oregon State Hazard Mitigation Officer, expects the Clatsop County Disaster Mitigation Plan to be ready for review by FEMA in September of this year.
At this time no agency has reported funding problems for any publicly owned buildings or projects damaged by the storm.
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