Ruidoso News 

RUIDOSO, N.M. — All counties throughout the State of New Mexico may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

"The major disaster declaration initially included Public Assistance for Lincoln and Otero Counties and designated Lincoln eligible for Hazard Mitigation," said Nancy Casper, Federal Coordinating Officer.

"Now the declaration has been amended to include all counties in the State for the Hazard Mitigation Program."

The Federal Emergency management Agency coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing and mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from, all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made. These include acts of terrorism.

FEMA's HMGP provides grants to states, local governments and tribal governments for long-term hazard mitigation projects following a major disaster declaration.

The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding eligible mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster, Casper explained.

The HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act and money can be used to make improvements to public or private property.

To be eligible, a project must provide a long-term solution to a specific risk.

The state administers the HMGP program.

Staff establishes mitigation priorities for the state, facilitate the development of applications and submit applications to FEMA based on state criteria and available funding.

FEMA funds up to 75 percent of the project cost.

Federal law requires states and local jurisdictions to have a FEMA - approved hazard mitigation plan prior to receipt of HMGP funds.

The plan identifies hazards, assesses community needs and describes a community-wide strategy for reducing risks associated with natural disasters.

Copyright 2008 Ruidoso News, a MediaNews Group Newspaper