The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is seeking community proposals to implement hazard mitigation projects funded through low-interest loans under the new “Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program.” The deadline for communities to complete the project information form has been extended to March 31, 2023. 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, created and secured funding for this program as part of his “Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act.” The STORM Act grants FEMA the authority to work with states and tribal governments to establish low-interest loan funds for disaster mitigation. All Michigan communities are eligible to apply for this award.

MSP/EMHSD must provide a project proposal list of interested local communities to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A community’s interest must be documented for the MSP/EMHSD to apply for funding for these projects. A project plan or extensive documentation is not required to submit interest to the proposal list. The deadline to submit the project information form for Michigan’s proposed list has been EXTENDED to March 31, 2021.  Jurisdictions interested in collaborating may submit jointly. You can complete the brief form with your project of interest here.

If funding to the state is approved, communities that complete the form can submit a formal application for a loan. Interested communities should complete an online project form found here. To be eligible to apply, local communities must have a Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA. Municipalities can contact their county emergency manager for the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan does not need to be approved to make the request but will need to be approved by the time the loan is ready to be issued.

Eligible project types under this program include activities that reduce disaster risks for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities from the impact of natural hazards, including:

• • Drought and prolonged episodes of intense heat.
  • Severe storms include hurricanes, tornados, windstorms, cyclones, and severe winter storms.
  • Flooding, including constructing, repairing, or replacing a non-Federal levee or other flood control structure (subject to specific requirements).
  • Shoreline erosion.
  • High water levels.
  • Storm surges.
• Zoning and land use planning changes.
• Building code enforcement.
• Communities may also use loans under this program to pay the non-federal cost share for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants.

Find more details on what’s covered in the program here.

Federal appropriations staff is available to answer technical questions and concerns and assist. Please contact Elise Lancaster at 313-505-5615 or [email protected].

Herasanna Richards is a legislative associate handling energy, environment, and public safety for the League. She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0309.