COLUMBUS — Due to February flooding in southern and eastern Ohio, grants to local communities for hazard mitigation projects will soon be available, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) said today in announcing application guidelines.
Funding availability for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is due to the state’s federal disaster declaration from the February 2019 flooding in southern and eastern Ohio. Local communities across the state, eligible private non-profit organizations, and state agencies may apply for HMGP funding for projects that reduce natural hazard risks to people and property
“These hazard mitigation grants fund activities to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future damages,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick. “In Ohio, the majority of these funds go toward the acquisition and demolition of repetitively flooded structures.”
“After demolition, the property is deed restricted as open space to ensure nothing is constructed on the property to prevent future flooding damages and claims,” said Steve Ferryman, Ohio EMA’s mitigation branch chief.
Elevating homes in place above flood levels, and the construction of community safe rooms to protect lives during a tornado are examples of other frequently funded project types, Ferryman said. Mitigation project priorities are identified in local hazard mitigation plans. In Ohio, most mitigation projects address the hazards of flooding and wind.
Local governments, non-profits and state agencies have until 5 p.m., July 10, 2019 to submit their pre-applications for HMGP funding to Ohio EMA. The State Hazard Mitigation Team will then meet to select applicants who will be invited to develop full HMGP applications.
Additional information on the Ohio Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available at www.ema.ohio.gov.
