Flood Response: County Risk and Needs Assessment Grant Program

The Flood Response: County Risk and Needs Assessment Grant Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division. This program was developed in response to the December 2025 severe weather and flooding events identified under Emergency Proclamation 25-07.2. The funding is appropriated through Washington State’s Natural Climate Solutions Account and is intended to support local governments in strengthening their understanding of flood risks and improving long-term resilience. The program reflects a statewide effort to enhance preparedness and guide strategic mitigation investments following significant natural disasters. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to eligible Washington State counties for conducting comprehensive flood risk and needs assessments. These assessments are expected to evaluate flood-related hazards, identify debris and waterway clearance needs, and analyze conditions contributing to flood risks. The program also supports the evaluation of flood prevention strategies and prioritization of future mitigation and capital investments. Through these activities, counties are expected to develop actionable insights that will reduce future flood impacts and improve public safety and infrastructure protection. Funding under this program totals $2,000,000, with individual awards capped at $300,000 per county. The funding period spans from March 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with performance periods defined in executed grant agreements. The program is fully state-funded, and no cost share or matching requirement is required for participation. Funds may be used for a variety of assessment-related activities, including data collection, mapping, engineering analysis, planning, stakeholder coordination, and administrative costs directly associated with the grant. Eligibility for this program is limited to 28 Washington State counties specifically identified in Emergency Proclamation 25-07.2. These counties may apply directly or collaborate with flood control districts, flood control zone districts, or other special purpose districts that have legal authority over flood management. However, the county must remain the official applicant and is responsible for all administrative, reporting, and compliance requirements. Applicants are expected to coordinate with relevant local entities to ensure comprehensive and informed assessment activities. The application process requires submission of an application questionnaire via email to hma@mil.wa.gov by July 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. The application period opens on June 17, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers specified in the program materials. Applications will be evaluated using a risk-based approach that considers factors such as protection of life and public health, identification of significant flood risks, infrastructure protection, project feasibility, and long-term resilience outcomes. Projects will be prioritized based on their ability to address urgent flood risks, demonstrate strong mitigation potential, and inform future capital investments. Additional evaluation criteria include the quality and completeness of the proposed assessment approach, coordination with relevant stakeholders, and benefits to vulnerable or historically impacted communities. Preference may also be given to projects incorporating nature-based solutions or integrated floodplain management practices. The anticipated award announcement date is August 24, 2026, with project performance expected to begin shortly thereafter and continue through June 30, 2027. Applicants are encouraged to ensure readiness to initiate projects promptly upon award. For further information, applicants may contact Ellen Chappelka, Olivia Zimmerman, or Caleb Lemke via their respective agency email addresses. This program represents a targeted investment in strengthening local capacity to assess and mitigate flood risks while advancing long-term community resilience across Washington State.

Focus on demonstrating clear flood risk identification strong mitigation potential and readiness to proceed