REP. BIZZARRO: PEMA accepting applications for FEMA grant programs

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 -- The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is encouraging eligible local governments to apply for their share of 2020 Federal Emergency Management Agency non-disaster mitigation grant program funds, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced today.

The grants require a letter of interest be submitted to PEMA by 5 p.m. Oct. 15, 2020. Eligible organizations will be applying to PEMA as sub-applicants and PEMA will be the statewide applicant to FEMA.

“These grants could help fund hazard mitigation projects and help reduce claims related to flooding. It’s important that local governments who qualify for these grants apply to make sure Erie communities get their fair share of federal funding back to the region,” Bizzarro explained.

The FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, which replaces FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant, is open to local governments with a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for pre-disaster mitigation activities. Applications must be submitted to PEMA by 5 p.m. Nov. 18, 2020. Full grant details are available here: https://www.pema.pa.gov/Grants/BRIC/Pages/default.aspx.

Funding from FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance is available to eligible local governments participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Eligible projects include project scoping, community flood mitigation projects, technical assistance, flood hazard mitigation planning, and individual flood mitigation projects. Completed applications are due to PEMA by 5 p.m. Nov. 18, 2020. Additional information and the application are available here: https://www.pema.pa.gov/Grants/FMA/Pages/default.aspx.

Bizzarro encourages eligible organizations to contact his office at 814-835-2880 with questions or assistance with the application process.