Public Assistance Mitigation

Public Assistance Mitigation can help communities build back stronger and prevent future damage. Think about what could be possible on every permanent work project.

• All permanent work projects eligible for Public Assistance are automatically eligible for consideration of additional assistance for mitigation.
• Mitigation measures must be cost-effective, technically feasible, legal and prevent or reduce future damages to the affected facility in case of future event.
• FEMA strongly encourages considering hazard mitigation opportunities as a part of the repair and restoration of the affected facility.
• Mitigation is an upgrade to make what was damaged stronger. It must be tied to protecting what was damaged.
• The cost share for the mitigation is the same as the cost share for the repairs.
• During the recovery process under PA, FEMA will help assess the damage, develop a hazard mitigation proposal, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mitigation projects.
• FEMA will verify that mitigation measures do not negatively impact the facility's operation or make it susceptible to damage from another hazard.
• If the mitigation measures are distinct and separate from the damaged portion(s) of the facility, FEMA evaluates the proposal and determines eligibility on a case-by case basis considering how the mitigation measure protects the damaged portion(s) of the facility and whether the mitigation measure is reasonable based on the extent of damage.

Cost Effectiveness

Mitigation measures must be cost effective, which means that in general, it can typically be up to the same cost of the repairs are. if it's $10K in damage, then up to $10K more for mitigation, for a total project of up to $20K.

Technical Feasibility and Effectiveness

The proposed mitigation measures must be logical, sound engineering. It should also address the cause of the damaged function or future damages by reducing or eliminating susceptibility to future damages during future events.

Legitimacy

Mitigation measures must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, including Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review.

Disclaimer - The above information and conditions applies to most projects; However, on a case-by case basis, FEMA may consider mitigation funding beyond the normal limit of the repair costs, by doing a full Benefit Cost Analysis.