The purpose of this amendment is to update the rule implementing the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to reflect the current federal requirements.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Division of Emergency Management

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

27P-22.002Definitions

27P-22.003Eligibility

27P-22.004LMS Working Groups

27P-22.006County Allocations and Project Funding

27P-22.007Application

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this amendment is to update the rule implementing the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to reflect the current federal requirements.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this proposed rule is to update various requirements for both the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), as they relate to the state’s administration thereof. The proposed changes include the following: incorporate by reference various state and federal documents throughout the rule, an update to list of definitions (.002), an update to eligible project types under the HMGP (.003), additional annual LMS update requirements (.004), clarifying language concerning county allocations and project funding (.006), and an update to the requirements for applying for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds provided by the federal government (.007).

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The rule is being updated to reflect the current federal regulations implementing the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and as such will not have any financial impact on small businesses or increase regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 either directly or indirectly.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 252.35, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 252.31-252.90, FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: September 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: : Due to COVID-19, no public visitors are allowed into the Sadowski Building, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Therefore, this Public Hearing will be held via GoToMeeting Webinar and Conference Call pursuant to Chapter 28-109, Florida Administrative Code.

GoToMeeting – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8453759386614433038 and Conference Call in Number: [phone] and Call-in Code: 258-740-256.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 3 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Jared Jaworski, [phone]; [e-mail].. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: : Jared Jaworski, Division of Emergency Management, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Rm 310B, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

27P-22.002 Definitions.

(1) “Adoption” means a resolution, ordinance or other formal action taken by the governing body of a county or municipality indicating agreement with and acceptance of the relevant Local Mitigation Strategy.

(2) “Application” means the request for hazard mitigation funding as submitted to the Division of Emergency Management (Division or FDEM) by an Applicant.

(3) “Applicant” means a state agency, local government, Native American tribe or authorized tribal organization or private non-profit organization requesting hazard mitigation funding.

(4) “DHS” means Department of Homeland Security.

(5)(4 ) “FEMA” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(5) “Florida Hazard Mitigation Strategy” means Florida’s version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan referred to in 44 C.F.R., Part 206, Subpart M and approved by FEMA. The Florida Hazard Mitigation Strategy (Rev. February 26, 2013) is hereby incorporated into this rule by reference. A copy may be obtained by contacting the Division of Emergency Management.

(6) “Hazard” means a condition that exposes human life or property to harm from a man-made or natural disaster.

(7) “Hazard Mitigation” means any action taken to reduce or eliminate the exposure of human life or property to harm from a man-made or natural disaster.

(8) “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program”, herein referred to as HMGP, means the program authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act and implemented by 44 C.F.R., Part 206, Subpart N, hereby incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting the Division, which provides funding for mitigation projects as identified in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan Strategy.

(9) “Local Mitigation Strategy” or “LMS” means a plan to reduce identified hazards within a county.

(10) “Project” means a hazard mitigation measure as identified in an LMS.

(11) “Repetitive loss structures” means structures that have suffered two or more occurrences of damage due to flooding and which have received payouts from the National Flood Insurance Program as a result of those occurrences.

(12) “State Hazard Mitigation Plan” means Florida’s version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan referred to in 44 C.F.R., Part 206, Subpart N and approved by FEMA. The State Hazard Mitigation Plan is set forth in the Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018, hereby incorporated into this rule by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####. A copy may be obtained by contacting the Division of Emergency Management.

(13)(12) “Working Group” is the group responsible for the development and implementation of the Local Mitigation Strategy.

Rulemaking Authority 252.35(2)(x) FS. Law Implemented 252.311, 252.32, 252.35 FS. History–New 2-24-02, Formerly 9G-22.002, Amended 7-18-13, ___________.

 

27P-22.003 Eligibility.

(1) Eligible types of projects shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Certain nNew construction activities that will result in protection from hazards;

(b) Retrofitting of existing facilities that will result in increased protection from hazards;

(c) Elevation of flood prone structures;

(d) Vegetative management/soil stabilization;

(e) Infrastructure protection measures;

(f) Stormwater management/flood control projects;

(g) Property acquisition or relocation; and

(h) Plans that identify and analyze mitigation problems and include funded, scheduled programs for implementing solutions, within the same disaster.

(2) In order to be eligible for funding, projects shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Conform to the State Florida Hazard Mitigation Plan Strategy;

(b) Conform to the funding priorities for the disaster as established in the LMS governing the project;

(c) Conform to the following federal regulations incorporated by reference, copies of which may be obtained by contacting the Division:

1. 44 C.F.R., Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, dated October 1, 2019, incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####;

2. DHS Directive 023-01, Revision 01, dated 10/31/2014, incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####;

3. DHS Instruction 023-01-001-01, Revision 01, dated 11/6/2014, incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####;

4. FEMA Directive 108-1, dated 08/22/2016, incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####; and

5. FEMA Instruction 108-1-1, dated 08/22/2016, incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####.

Conform to 44 C.F.R., Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, and 44 C.F.R., Part 10, Environmental Considerations, both hereby incorporated by reference, copies of which may be obtained by contacting the Division;

(d) Eliminate a hazard independently or substantially contribute to the elimination of a hazard where there is reasonable assurance that the project as a whole will be completed; and

(e) Be cost-effective and substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering resulting from a disaster.

Rulemaking Authority 252.35(2)(x) FS. Law Implemented 252.311, 252.32, 252.35 FS. History–New 2-24-02, Formerly 9G-22.003, Amended ___________.

 

27P-22.004 LMS Working Groups.

Each county electing to participate in the HMGP must have a formal LMS Working Group and a current FEMA approved LMS.

(1) Not later than the last working weekday of January of each year the Chairperson of the Board of County Commissioners shall submit to the Division a list of the members of the Working Group and its designated Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

(2) The Working Group shall include, at a minimum:

(a) Representation from various agencies of county government which may include, but not be limited to, planning and zoning, roads, public works and emergency management;

(b) Representation from all interested municipalities within the county; and

(c) Representation from interested private organizations, civic organizations, trade and commercial support groups, property owners associations, Native American Tribes or authorized tribal organizations, water management districts, regional planning councils, independent special districts and non-profit organizations.

(3) The county shall submit documentation to show that within the preceding year it has issued a written invitation to each municipality, private organization, civic organization, Native American Tribe or authorized tribal organization, water management district, independent special district and non-profit organization, as applicable, to participate in the LMS working group. This documentation shall accompany the membership list submitted to the Division.

(4) The Working Group shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) To designate a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson;

(b) To develop and revise an LMS as necessary;

(c) To coordinate all mitigation activities within the County;

(d) To set an order of priority for local mitigation projects; and

(e) To submit annual LMS updates to the Division by the last working weekday of each January. Updates shall address, at a minimum:

1. List of Working Group Members including Chair and Vice-Chair;

21. Changes to the hazard assessment;

32. Updated Changes to the project priority list including estimated costs and potential funding sources;

43. Changes to the critical facilities list;

54. Changes to the repetitive loss list; and

65. Revisions to any maps.

Rulemaking Authority 252.35(2)(x) FS. Law Implemented 252.311, 252.32, 252.35 FS. History–New 2-24-02, Formerly 9G-22.004, Amended 7-18-13, ____________.

 

27P-22.006 County Allocations and Project Funding.

(1) The available HMGP funds shall be allocated to the counties included in the relevant presidential disaster declaration, as defined in Section 252.34(2)(1), F.S., in proportion to each county’s share of the federal disaster funding from the Public Assistance, Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration programs as of 120 90 days after the disaster declaration as reported by FEMA.

(a) Eligible and submitted projects for each county included in the relevant presidential disaster declaration will be funded in order of priority as outlined in the LMS Working Group endorsement letter until the allocated funds are exhausted, or all eligible projects are funded, whichever occurs first.

(b) Any allocation remaining after all eligible projects in any declared county are funded shall be reallocated to those counties included in the relevant presidential disaster declaration whose allocation was not sufficient to fund all submitted eligible projects in proportion to each county’s share of unfunded projects.

(2) If funds remain after all eligible projects under subsection (1) above have been funded, then they shall be applied to fund eligible projects submitted from counties not included in the relevant presidential disaster declaration on a first-come-first-served basis until all available funds are obligated.

(3) Once a project has been selected for funding, the agreement between the applicant and the Division regarding the terms and conditions of the grant shall be formalized by contract.

Rulemaking Authority 252.35(2)(x) FS. Law Implemented 252.311, 252.32, 252.35 FS. History–New 2-24-02, Formerly 9G-22.006, Amended _________.

 

27P-22.007 Application.

(1) The following entities may apply for funding under the program:

(a) State agencies and local governments;

(b) Private non-profit organizations or institutions that own or operate a private non-profit facility as defined in 44 C.F.R., § 206.221(e), dated October 1, 2019, hereby incorporated by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting the Division; and

(c) Indian tribes or authorized tribal organizations.

(2) The Division shall notify potential applicants of the availability of HMGP funds by publishing a Notice of Funding Availability in the Florida Administrative Register.

(3) Applicants will have not less than ninety (90) days from the date of notification to submit project applications. The opening and closing dates will be specified in the Notice of Funding Availability. Applications mailed to the Division must be postmarked on or before the final due date. Hand-delivered applications must be stamped in at the Division no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the final due date.

(4) A LMS Working Group endorsement letter shall accompany each application from the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the LMS Working Group endorsing the project. The endorsement shall verify that the proposed project does appear in the current LMS and state its priority in relation to other submitted projects. Applications without this letter of endorsement will not be considered.

(5) Applications must be submitted using FDEM Form No. HMGP Application (01-2020) (Eff. 01-2020) Form No. HMGP, State of Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application (Effective Date: June, 2012), which is incorporated into this rule by reference, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/references.asp?No=Ref-#####, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting the Division or visiting www.floridadisaster.org. In addition, the application form will be circulated as a part of the Notice of Funding Availability for its respective disaster grant cycle.

(6) If the Division receives an incomplete application, the applicant will be notified in writing of the deficiencies. The applicant will have thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the letter to resolve the deficiencies. If the deficiencies are not corrected by the deadline the application will not be considered for funding.

(7) Applications are to be delivered or sent to:

Division of Emergency Management

Bureau of Mitigation

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

ATTENTION: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Rulemaking Authority 252.35(2)(x) FS. Law Implemented 252.311, 252.32, 252.35 FS. History–New 2-24-02, Formerly 9G-22.007, Amended 7-18-13, __________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Jared Jaworski

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Jared Moskowitz

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: August 27, 2020

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: 9/26/2019