$5.3 Million Available in Cooperative Agreements for Flood Risk Mitigation in FEMA Region Two

Targeted News Service

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it expects to award up to 11 cooperative agreements for flood risk mitigation in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

The estimated total program funding available was cited as $5.3 million. The agency said the grant was associated with science and technology and other research and development.

The funding is open to state, county, city, township and special district governments; private, public and state controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments; and non-profits having a 501(c)3 status with the IRS.

The agency description of the grant states: "The Cooperating Technical Partners Program (CTP Program) exists to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through fostering strong Federal, State, Tribal, regional and local partnerships for the purposes of reducing flood losses and promoting community resiliency. The CTP Program may provide federal assistance, through a grant or cooperative agreement, to an eligible Cooperating Technical Partner (herein referred to as CTP, partner or grantee) to perform various projects and activities that stimulate and support the ability of NFIP State Coordinating Agencies and NFIP-participating communities (as defined in 44 CFR Part 59.1) to continue their ongoing regulatory NFIP responsibilities as well as support the ability of States, communities and the public and private sector to mitigate flood risk.

The CTP Program seeks to enhance the existing capabilities of CTPs to increase local involvement in, and ownership of, the development and maintenance of flood risk data and products, such as the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and other risk related products, as well as other support to advance the goals and objectives of the Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program. Partnerships developed through FEMA's CTP Program are in the best interest of State and local communities, the NFIP and the public. CTPs may be able to perform activities related to program management, technical risk analysis and mapping, and communication of flood risk hazard data and information.

CTPs need to work with FEMA in advance of the application to understand FEMA program priorities, objectives and measures, and to identify specific tasks to undertake. In support of program objectives, FEMA may provide technical assistance, training, and/or data to a CTP to enhance the activities within the project categories. Any funds FEMA provides through a grant or cooperative agreement to complete project activities are in addition to the leveraged resources and data which may be provided by the CTP to complete the tasks agreed upon."