Apply Now: Funding For Home Projects Through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

McDowell County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Reducing Future Risks After Disasters

McDowell County residents can receive funding to make their homes more resilient through home projects that reduce the long-term risk and impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, wildfires, and storms.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a FEMA-funded initiative aimed at reducing or eliminating future damages and losses following a disaster. While federally funded, the program is managed in North Carolina by the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management.

For property owners in McDowell County, HMGP offers funding for two primary mitigation strategies: elevation and acquisition:

Mitigation Options

Elevation Project: This project raises the home as is, demolishes the old foundation, and builds a new foundation that raises the first floor approximately 2 feet above the 100-year flood elevation. The homeowner is provided temporary lodging during the work, and household belongings remain in place.
Acquisition Project: In this option, the program buys the property at its pre-disaster value. After the homeowner relocates, the home is demolished, and the land is permanently preserved as greenspace.

For both projects, FEMA funds 75% of the cost, and the state covers the remaining 25%. There is no cost to the homeowner.

Program Details

The program does not have an income requirement and is designed to assist all property owners impacted by the disaster.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and property owners may withdraw their application at any time.

How to Apply

To apply for HMGP funding, follow these steps:

Watch the Introduction Video: View an 8-minute video explaining the program and its benefits.
Complete the Grant Information Request Form: Fill out a 5-minute form to provide basic details about your property and eligibility.
Submit the Full Application: After receiving an email from a Hazard Mitigation team member, complete and return the application as instructed.
Obtain Local Government Approval:
Applications must be approved by the local government (McDowell County or a town within the county) to be included in their submission to FEMA.

In-Person Assistance

If you need help with your application, in-person assistance will be available at McDowell County Emergency Services on December 19, 2024. Staff will be on-site to answer questions and accept applications. No appointment is necessary, but all individuals listed on the property deed must sign the application.

Additional opportunities for in-person support will be announced as they are scheduled.

For more information or updates, contact McDowell County Emergency Services at 828-652-3241.

For more information about Hazard Mitigation visit http://www.ncdps.gov/HM

HMGP Public Notice