FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
Last Update: February 12, 2007
What Is It?
FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant program provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster event. PDM provides a way to raise risk awareness and reduce the nation's disaster losses through planning and the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures.
This program is part of the Stafford Act to assist states and communities to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the structures, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding from actual disaster declarations. In FY2005, there was approximately $255 million available for competitive grants, technical assistance, and program support.
Who is Eligible?
Applicant: State emergency management agency or a similar office of the state (or DC) or Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is eligible to apply to FEMA for assistance. Under PDM
Sub-applicant: State-level agencies; local governments, including state-recognized Indian tribes, authorized Indian tribal organizations, and Alaska Native villages; public colleges and universities; and Indian tribal colleges and universities are eligible to apply to an Applicant (see above) for assistance. Most libraries can apply through their city or county. Most academic libraries can apply if they are part of a public college or university.
To qualify for one of these grants, your state must have a disaster plan in effect. Sub-applicants must have a local plan in effect. Every state has a State Hazard Mitigation Officer (contacts listed below) who can work with you on these plans. There are grants available to help your jurisdiction develop a plan.
The Disaster plan sets out priorities and identifies risks from disasters in your area.
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program has been created to protect people and structures against disasters, both natural and man-made. The federal FEMA partners with the state disaster agencies to protect local facilities and their contents.