What is the status of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds available in Texas as a result of Hurricane Ike?
FEMA set aside $355 million for the HMGP in Texas following Hurricane Ike and has approved 28 applications from local jurisdictions requesting more than $67 million in federal grants. FEMA funds 75 percent of the costs of HMGP projects. The grants can be used to elevate flood-prone homes or other structures to eliminate the need for sandbags and pumps when the next flood occurs. Grants also can be used for certain flood-control projects; for retrofitting buildings and facilities to minimize damages from high winds, earthquakes or other natural hazards; and for other mitigation projects. One of the most popular uses of HMGP funds is the acquisition of property, commonly referred to as “buyouts.” This option allows cities, counties and other applicants to purchase homes and buildings that have been subjected to, or are in danger of, repetitive disaster damage. Funds for property acquisitions has been approved for the cities of Galveston, Beaumont and Wichita Falls, for Jefferson and Vict
