Preparedness Division - Mitigation

The Mitigation Branch is responsible for the coordination hazard mitigation activities statewide to reduce the long-term impact of natural disasters on communities. The branch is responsible for the development and maintenance of the state’s hazard mitigation plan, in accordance with federal guidelines. The Mitigation Branch oversees the State Hazard Mitigation team, which is composed of various representatives from various state agencies who assist in implementing statewide mitigation strategies. AEMA is the lead planning agency in the state for mitigating the effects of future disasters. The branch assists local governments in developing and implementing comprehensive local mitigation programs and plans. The Mitigation Branch is also responsible for the administration of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), a disaster assistance program which provides federal funding to local and state governments for cost effective hazard reduction projects. In the administration of HMGP, the branch provides technical assistance to grant applicants throughout the grant process from start to finish. Mitigation projects range from property buy out programs in areas that experience repetitive flooding to projects that improve drainage systems.