On December 23, 2013, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued guidance through our Regional offices to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners on the ability to incorporate sea level rise estimates in Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) project grant applications. In accordance with the objectives outlined in the President’s Executive Order – Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change, FEMA continues to support the initiative by integrating climate change adaptations into programs, policies, and operations to strengthen the nation’s resilience by planning for future risk.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have recently released sea level rise estimates for various coastal areas. This available data will allow applicants to determine the projected sea level rise at a specific site. The data can be included in FEMA’s Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool that is used to validate the cost benefit of potential projects that protect against future risk.
FEMA does not require applicants and sub-applicants to incorporate sea level rise estimates into HMA projects. However, detailed information is being provided on how to incorporate sea level rise considerations when performing a Benefit-Cost Analysis for project applications using these federal data sources. Communities that use this information will have the benefit of more accurately planning for and taking steps to mitigate against this vulnerability.
For more information:
Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Sea Level Rise Frequently Asked Questions document can be found in the FEMA library athttp://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/89659
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance
Benefit Cost Analysis http://www.fema.gov/benefit-cost-analysis
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Policy http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance-policy
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have recently released sea level rise estimates for various coastal areas. This available data will allow applicants to determine the projected sea level rise at a specific site. The data can be included in FEMA’s Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool that is used to validate the cost benefit of potential projects that protect against future risk.
FEMA does not require applicants and sub-applicants to incorporate sea level rise estimates into HMA projects. However, detailed information is being provided on how to incorporate sea level rise considerations when performing a Benefit-Cost Analysis for project applications using these federal data sources. Communities that use this information will have the benefit of more accurately planning for and taking steps to mitigate against this vulnerability.
For more information:
Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Sea Level Rise Frequently Asked Questions document can be found in the FEMA library athttp://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/89659
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance
Benefit Cost Analysis http://www.fema.gov/benefit-cost-analysis
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Policy http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance-policy
