The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) established a framework requiring local governments to have a mitigation plan as a condition for receiving federal disaster mitigation funds. This plan is vital to qualify for various grant programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Public Assistance Grant Program (PA), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM), Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAG), Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, and the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program (HHPD).
Key components of a comprehensive mitigation plan under the DMA 2000 include:
- Organizing Resources: Assembling necessary resources and stakeholders is crucial for effective planning and execution of mitigation strategies.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing risks, hazards, and vulnerabilities is essential for understanding potential threats and their impacts on communities.
- Development of the Mitigation Plan: This involves prioritizing mitigation actions and strategies to address the identified risks and hazards.
- Implementation and Monitoring: Once the plan is developed, its implementation and continuous monitoring are critical for ensuring its effectiveness and making necessary adjustments.
