Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
NOTICE: HMGP is no longer accepting applications as of November 1st for TS Helene
If you have questions about your application, please contact the local McDowell County representative at ajones@mcdowellems.com or North Carolina Emergency Management at NCEMHMGPApplications@ncdps.gov
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Where We are and Where We are Headed
117 McDowell County residents have taken the next step to reduce long-term risk to their properties through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
Funded by FEMA, HMGP’s goal is to reduce or eliminate future damage and loss following a disaster like Tropical Storm Helene.
Through this program, property owners can choose from several mitigation strategies, including home elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, and slope stabilization. The program is completely voluntary, and homeowners can leave the program anytime during the application period.
Progress Updates
117 residents have submitted their applications for HMGP. These applications are being processed in batches to work through them as quickly as possible.
Application Updates
- Group 1: A total of 33 properties were submitted for acquisition by North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) to FEMA in July 2025. These applications are currently under FEMA review, and updates will be provided as the review process advances.
- Group 2: NCEM is currently preparing the next group of McDowell County applications for submission to FEMA. This batch will include additional properties identified as eligible for mitigation under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Once submitted, these applications will enter FEMA’s review process, and updates will be provided as progress continues.
Timeline
HMGP is not designed to cover immediate storm repairs after Helene. Instead, it helps fund projects that make homes stronger against future disasters. With the amount of local effort needed to develop strong applications for approval, the process can be lengthy.
Here is an outline of typical HMGP timeframes:
- Several months: preparing applications (collecting documentation, cost estimates, and benefit-cost analysis before submission).
- 12-24 months: FEMA reviews and decides on applications; complex projects may take longer.
- 3-4 years: Communities have this window to complete approved mitigation projects once funding is awarded.
