The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, plans to allocate federal funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This program, authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, supports projects that reduce the long-term risk of disaster damage.
According to a Charlotte County public notice issued yesterday, the funding will support projects that enhance resilience, particularly in areas affected by floods or located in wetlands. All proposed projects will undergo environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
FEMA is also following Executive Order 12898, which requires federal agencies to consider environmental justice and ensure that minority and low-income populations are not disproportionately affected. Public participation is encouraged during the planning process.
Projects in floodplains or wetlands must comply with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, which require the evaluation of alternatives to minimize environmental impact. FEMA has issued a final notice indicating its intention to proceed with funding decisions, subject to compliance with all federal, tribal, state, and local laws and environmental regulations.
FEMA emphasizes that funding will only be granted if projects meet all applicable legal and regulatory standards. The agency invites public input on proposed projects as part of the review and decision-making process.
