FEMA expands Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program for dams, seawalls

A recent policy change by the Federal Emergency Management Agency makes major projects related to the construction, demolition or improvement of dams, dikes, levees, floodwalls, seawalls, jetties, breakwaters, and erosion projects related to beach nourishment or re-nourishment eligible for consideration under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program.

The FEMA action, announced on June 18, represents a major change to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program.

Communities across Massachusetts have been struggling to pay for the repair or removal of dams and seawalls and other infrastructure related to flooding. In order to help cities and towns deals with flood risk due to failing infrastructure, Massachusetts created a grant program and has funded several projects over the past two years.

The need exceeds available funding, however. There are approximately 3,000 dams in Massachusetts, and a 2011 report from the state auditor’s office identified 100 municipally owned dams in 62 communities that were in unsafe or poor condition.

Seawalls along the state’s 1,700 miles of coastline are also deteriorating. A 2009 report by the Department of Conservation and Recreation found that 85 percent of coastal protection structures are beyond their expected lifespan of 50 years and have never seen major repairs.

For more information on the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, contact Dan Nietsche at Dan.Nietsche@state.ma.us or (508) 820-2016 in western Massachusetts, or David Woodbury at david.woodbury@state.ma.us or (508) 820-2034 in eastern Massachusetts.