Flood Mitigation Program

The Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and funded through the National Flood Insurance Fund under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program is designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program by supporting mitigation activities. The broader goal is to decrease long-term flood risk and reduce the financial burden associated with flood insurance claims through proactive investments in resilience and infrastructure improvements. This program supports both planning and project-based mitigation efforts that directly address flood hazards. Eligible activities include a wide range of mitigation strategies such as property acquisition and demolition, elevation of structures, relocation, floodproofing, and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing localized and non-localized flood risks. Planning-related activities, hazard mitigation planning, and project scoping may also be funded. The program allows communities to pursue both structural and non-structural solutions that align with FEMA hazard mitigation priorities and guidance. Funding for the program is derived from the National Flood Insurance Fund and is distributed through a competitive nationwide process. Cost-share requirements vary depending on the type of project and the classification of properties. Standard projects typically require a 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal match, while repetitive loss properties may qualify for a 90 percent federal share, and severe repetitive loss properties may be eligible for up to 100 percent federal funding. Economically disadvantaged and rural communities may also benefit from reduced cost-share requirements. Eligibility for the program is limited to communities that participate in and are in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies, and tribal governments. Communities that are on probation or suspended from the NFIP are not eligible. Additionally, applicants must have a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan in place to qualify for funding. These requirements ensure that funded projects align with comprehensive and pre-approved risk reduction strategies. The application process requires submission through the FEMA GO system. Applicants must coordinate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which serves as the state-level administrator. While the program is federally funded, the state agency plays a critical role in managing submissions, providing guidance, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. Applicants are expected to prepare detailed project proposals that demonstrate cost-effectiveness, risk reduction benefits, and alignment with hazard mitigation planning. For the current funding cycle, the deadline for submission to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is July 20, 2026. The program typically follows an annual funding cycle, with notices of funding opportunity released in late summer or early fall. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and ensure all eligibility requirements and documentation are in place prior to submission. Questions and inquiries can be directed to the program contact at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, who provides support throughout the application process. Overall, the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program represents a key federal investment in disaster resilience and risk reduction. By focusing on insured properties and leveraging mitigation strategies, the program aims to reduce future disaster costs while strengthening community resilience against flooding events. The structured application process, defined eligibility criteria, and competitive funding environment require applicants to demonstrate strong planning, coordination, and project readiness.