(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) Hazard Mitigation Department is pleased to inform communities that FEMA has opened the application period for the Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grants.

The Notices of Funding Opportunity for both programs are available at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/fy2020-nofoInterested applicants for both programs must complete the FEMA GO Pre-Subapplication and submit it to GEMA/HS by October 15, 2020.

“Our communities have experienced so many events this year, from inclement weather to a global pandemic, we’ve definitely seen the need to be prepared,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “These federal grants offer a great opportunity for agencies to improve and fine tune their hazard mitigation plans and complete eligible risk reduction projects.”

The BRIC grant replaces the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program for FY2020, and assists state, local and tribalgovernments in implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation activities. Information on priorities, eligible applicants, project types, etc. can be found at: https://gema.georgia.gov/bric. Additional information can be accessed at:https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities

The FMA grant’s goal is the reduction or elimination of claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and provides funding to assist States and communities in implementing measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other structures insurable under the NFIP. Details on program priorities, eligible activities and applicants, etc. is available at:https://gema.georgia.gov/flood-mitigation-assistance-program.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s “Ready Georgia” campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Visit www.gema.ga.gov  for more information.