Earthquake Hazards Reduction State Assistance Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Earthquake Hazards Reduction State Assistance Program (FEMA Region 8)

1) What is the Earthquake Hazards Reduction State Assistance Program?

It is a FEMA Region 8 discretionary funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement to support state-level efforts that reduce earthquake risk and improve preparedness in areas with high seismic hazard. The intent is to help states build a well-rounded earthquake hazards reduction program by funding practical activities that lower potential losses, strengthen resilience, and improve how communities plan for, respond to, and recover from damaging earthquakes.

2) Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), specifically FEMA Region VIII.

3) What type of funding mechanism is used?

The announcement describes the award as a cooperative agreement.

4) What is the main purpose or focus of the program?

A major focus is mitigation, with emphasis on embedding seismic safety into everyday public and private decisions about where and how buildings and infrastructure are located, designed, and built. The program also supports public awareness and earthquake education, along with related supporting activities that strengthen statewide earthquake program capabilities.

5) What kinds of mitigation activities does the program emphasize?

The opportunity highlights mitigation work that improves seismic performance through adoption, enforcement, and updating of building and zoning codes and ordinances. It also emphasizes hands-on mitigation support activities such as creating inventories of structures, conducting seismic safety assessments and evaluations, and performing inspections of critical facilities and lifelines.

6) Does the program support building and zoning code activities?

Yes. The announcement specifically includes activities tied to the adoption, enforcement, and updating of building and zoning codes and ordinances to improve seismic performance.

7) Are nonstructural earthquake risks included as eligible topics?

Yes. The opportunity calls out actions that address nonstructural risks such as building contents, furnishings, and other components that can cause injuries or major disruption during earthquake shaking.

8) Can the funding be used to develop or update hazard mitigation plans?

Yes. The program supports developing or updating hazard mitigation plans that identify existing buildings and systems that pose life-safety threats or are likely to experience severe damage, and that prioritize strategies (such as retrofitting) to reduce those risks.

9) Does the program fund retrofitting projects?

The announcement describes prioritizing strategies such as retrofitting within hazard mitigation planning to reduce risks from buildings and systems that pose life-safety threats or are likely to experience severe damage.

10) What public awareness and education activities are supported?

Funding can be used for outreach and education intended to raise awareness about earthquake hazards and consequences, and to encourage real behavior changes that improve readiness. The goal is a self-help approach so residents, businesses, and institutions are better prepared to take actions before an event, respond effectively during and immediately after shaking, and support recovery and longer-term mitigation afterward.

11) Does the program support hazard identification studies?

Yes. The announcement includes hazard identification work that defines the likelihood and nature of earthquake and related geologic hazards in a specific area.

12) Are vulnerability assessments or loss estimation studies supported?

Yes. The program allows vulnerability assessments (loss estimation studies) that quantify expected impacts on people, buildings, lifelines, and other community resources. These studies are described as tools to guide decision-making by showing consequences and highlighting where mitigation investments could have the greatest payoff.

13) Does the program support inspections of critical facilities and lifelines?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly mentions inspections of critical facilities and lifelines as examples of hands-on mitigation support activities.

14) Are states encouraged to coordinate with national partners or peer programs?

Yes. The opportunity notes support for professional coordination through attendance and participation in the nationally held annual State Earthquake Program Managers meeting, helping states align approaches and share best practices.

15) Which states are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is tied to FEMA Region VIII and specifically lists Montana (MT), Utah (UT), and Wyoming (WY). The listing also notes that applicants should consult the additional eligibility information referenced in the announcement.

16) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that cost sharing or matching was not required.

17) How many awards did FEMA anticipate making?

FEMA anticipated making about three awards.

18) What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $168,694.

19) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 97.082, identified as Earthquake Consortium.

20) What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is DHS-09-FEMA-082-008, and the title is Earthquake Hazards Reduction State Assistance Program.

21) When was the opportunity posted and when was it due?

The opportunity was posted on June 12, 2009. The closing date was extended to July 15, 2009 (from the original closing date of June 30, 2009).

22) Where could applicants find the full announcement and application details?

Additional information was available via Grants.gov.

23) Who should applicants contact for help accessing the full announcement?

Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or to email ASK-GMD@dhs.gov.