The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – sometimes referred to as a “buyout program” – is provided through Federal and State agencies to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters.

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A recent article in the Gazette titled, “Conflict between Jumpstart, buyouts for some flood victims,” contained some information that was not entirely accurate.   Below are some corrections of the misinformation.

• Flood-impacted residents should apply for all the flood recovery funding they can get; it is not advised to remove yourself from any funding list.
• Flood-impacted residents who register now will learn all the funding options that are currently available in face-to-face consultations. Every resident’s situation is different; the individual consultation is so important.  The consultations will be scheduled within two weeks after registering for JumpStart Funding by calling 2-1-1.
• When the City of Cedar Rapids sent the list of residents interested in a buyout to the state in mid-September, it was considered preliminary, not final. The buyout list won’t be finalized until January 2009 – after residents have had a chance to complete a face-to-face consultation to learn about their flood recovery funding options.
• A voluntary buyout is “voluntary” and each homeowner can request to be taken off of the buy out list at anytime up until the time the property is destroyed.  
• Jumpstart and buyout funds are just the beginning of the flood recovery funding programs to come. The City expects funds from several other programs will become available to meet a variety of nees for residents and businesses.

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PROJECTED TIMELINE

The City is seeking funding for voluntary property acquisition and removal of flood-prone structures as one component of the overall flood management effort. Here is the program time frame:

September 2008 – The City submitted a Notice of Interest to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer on September 12, 2008, that:

• Includes a listing of property owners interested in having their property acquired;
• Provides State and Federal agencies with an estimate of potential acquisition costs; and
• Can be modified to add or remove properties from the City’s final application.

October 2008 – The State will review the Notices of Interest from communities across Iowa and invite eligible communities to formally apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

October – December 2008 – The City, State and Federal agencies will work together to identify flood-prone areas to be included in the formal application. The final application will be developed to reflect a balance between the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan and the mitigation priorities of State and Federal funding sources.

January 2009 – According to State officials, the formal application will likely be due in December 2008.

April – June 2009 – State and Federal agencies will review the formal applications and announce funding.

More Information

Find more information about the HMGP (or Buyout Program) online at www.fema.gov