The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. HMGP funding becomes available following a presidential major-disaster declaration and supports long-term projects that reduce future disaster losses. The standard cost share is generally up to 75 percent federal and at least 25 percent nonfederal. Actual percentages and eligibility requirements depend on the disaster declaration, project, and applicable guidance.

Baldwin County residents interested in possible residential mitigation assistance may submit preliminary mitigation-interest information to BCEMA. Submission does not constitute a formal FEMA application, guarantee project eligibility or selection, or authorize work to begin. BCEMA uses this information to identify potentially eligible properties and contact owners when an appropriate funding opportunity becomes available.

FEMA-funded mitigation projects generally must demonstrate that they are cost-effective. Depending on the project and program, this may involve a FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis, pre-calculated benefits, or another FEMA-approved methodology.

When a Benefit-Cost Analysis is required, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.0 or greater generally means the anticipated project benefits equal or exceed project costs. A qualifying ratio does not guarantee funding.

Flood insurance requirements vary according to the funding program, project type, property location, and applicable federal requirements. Certain projects involving properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area require the owner to obtain and maintain flood insurance for the life of the structure. Flood Mitigation Assistance projects involving individual properties generally require an active National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy. BCEMA will explain applicable requirements during the application process.

Increased Cost of Compliance, or ICC, is coverage included under many Standard Flood Insurance Policies issued through the National Flood Insurance Program. It is an insurance benefit, not a grant.

Eligible policyholders whose buildings have been declared substantially or repetitively damaged may receive up to $30,000 to help pay for eligible floodplain-compliance measures, including elevation, relocation, demolition, or floodproofing of qualifying nonresidential buildings. Eligibility depends on the policy, floodplain determination, and proposed work.

ICC funds may be eligible toward the nonfederal cost share of an approved FEMA mitigation project when properly coordinated. Property owners should contact their flood insurance carrier before beginning work or relying on ICC funds.

Baldwin County residential mitigation projects are generally administered on a reimbursement basis. Depending on the approved project agreement, a participating property owner may be responsible for paying the contractor and providing acceptable invoices, proof of payment, inspections, and other supporting documentation before reimbursement can be requested.

Property owners should be prepared to pay their required nonfederal cost share and any costs FEMA determines are ineligible. The amount reimbursed and the homeowner’s financial responsibility will be established in the approved project budget and required agreements.

Under the County’s current agreement model, homeowners may have to fund work and submit documentation before reimbursement, but that is not a universal description of every FEMA payment method.

Do not begin construction, demolition, elevation, acquisition, or other project work unless BCEMA has provided written authorization confirming that all required approvals and agreements are in place. Starting work before written authorization may make some or all project costs ineligible for reimbursement. Submission of an interest form or application does not constitute approval to proceed.

A substantial-damage determination is made by the building or floodplain-management (Baldwin County Building Department Link https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/building-inspection) official for the jurisdiction in which the property is located. A substantially damaged structure must be brought into compliance with applicable floodplain-management regulations and building codes before it may be repaired or reoccupied. Questions about a determination, required permits, compliance options, or available review procedures should be directed to the responsible municipal or county office.