(image from fema.gov)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced nearly $180 million in grant funding to states and territories to take decisive steps to protect infrastructure and people from future disasters. This funding aligns with the America First Resilience Strategy, which calls for a new, risk-informed approach that treats resilience as an investment opportunity.
The funding is for three separate mitigation programs:
* FEMA will award $3.8 million in federal funding to states and territories, as well as nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions, to reduce the risk of earthquakes. This funding is administered through two funding opportunities under FEMA’s National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program grants. These awards include more than $2.3 million to 22 states and U.S. territories to train officials, conduct exercises and carry out other activities to prepare for potential earthquakes.
Additionally, through a competitive process, FEMA will award $1.5 million to help nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions develop and implement regional (multi-state) and/or national earthquake risk mitigation activities.
* FEMA will award more than $160 million to fund disaster mitigation projects, empowering local leaders to take proactive steps to protect their communities from potential disasters. This funding is administered through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. In the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, Congress directed that these funds be distributed to support 115 specific projects in 39 states and one Tribal Nation. Most projects focus on improving infrastructure to reduce flood risk, while others address hazards such as earthquakes and wildfires.
* FEMA will award $15 million in federal funding to states and territories to reduce the risk of floods by improving floodplain management practices. This funding is administered through FEMA’s Community Assistance Program – State Support Services Element. This competitive grant program is designed to empower states and territories to lead floodplain management activities in their communities. By proactively taking steps to manage flood risk, these communities can save lives and protect property.
For more information about these grant obligations and awards, visit the following FEMA web pages: Community Assistance Program – State Support Services Element, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program.
