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Western Connecticut Council of Governments
Flood Grant Assistance Program

Flood Grant Assistance Program

Flood Grant Assistance Program

✅Contact Kathleen Maeder to initiate the Flood Grant Assistance process. kmaeder@westcog.org | 475-323-2062

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Flood risk is changing across Western Connecticut. The frequency of extreme precipitation events across the Northeast has increased by about 60% since the late 1950s. Along the coast, Connecticut’s sea levels are projected to rise by up to 20 inches by 2050, increasing the frequency and severity of tidal flooding and storm surge. Even minor increases in rainfall and sea level can significantly increase runoff, flood depths, and the frequency with which homes, roads, and other infrastructure experience flooding.

Federal hazard mitigation programs provide opportunities for communities to reduce these risks before the next disaster. However, resource limitations at the local, regional, and state levels can prevent grant funding from reaching communities in need.  

With the support of a technical consultant team, Dewberry Engineers and Resilient Land & Water, WestCOG assists municipalities and property owners in pursuing funding for eligible projects. 

Services

WestCOG provides technical assistance throughout the grant process. Our services include: 

  • Helping municipalities and property owners identify potential mitigation projects and determine grant eligibility; 
  • Assisting with applications, reporting, grant administration, and closeout for flood mitigation and disaster recovery projects submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);  
  • Serving as liaison among municipalities, property owners, FEMA, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), and other agencies as necessary; 
  • Supporting implementation of WestCOG’s Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan by advancing projects and strategies that address flood risks in the region. 

Funding Opportunities

WestCOG primarily assists municipalities and property owners with the following FEMA hazard mitigation programs: 

FEMA Grant Description Status 
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Annual grant program focused on reducing or eliminating the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Not currently open 
FMA Swift Current Funding made available following certain Presidential major disaster declarations to support mitigation of NFIP-insured properties, including home elevations, property acquisitions, and other eligible measures. Not currently open 
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Designed to help communities reduce long-term risks after a Presidential major disaster declaration. Eligible projects may include planning, infrastructure upgrades, building retrofits, and acquisitions of hazard-prone properties. Not currently open 

Interested in learning more? 

You do not need to wait for a FEMA funding opportunity to contact us. Identifying potential projects in advance can help municipalities and property owners prepare for future opportunities when funding becomes available.  

  • Municipalities. WestCOG administers this program in close coordination with its member communities. Municipal staff interested in identifying potential projects or sharing information with local property owners should contact our office. 
  • Property Owners. If your property has experienced significant or repeated flooding, WestCOG may be able to help you explore potential mitigation options and determine whether your property could be a candidate for federal funding.  

For more information, contact:

Kathleen Maeder
Planner, Western Connecticut Council of Governments
kmaeder@westcog.org
475-323-2062