2/28/2024
Proposals are due no later than April 12, 2024
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) is seeking proposals from communities who may be interested in applying for low interest loans to implement hazard mitigation projects under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program. The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act became law on Jan. 1, 2021.
Project Interest Form
The STORM Act authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide capitalization grants for eligible entities to make funding decisions and award loans directly to local communities. Eligible entities include states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia. These revolving loan funds provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.
WVEMD is gathering information with the intent of applying for a capitalization grant from FEMA. A Notice of Funding Opportunity entitled Fiscal Year 2024 Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program, was published on December 19, 2023 (Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-24-STORM-139-00-01).
To develop a project proposal list, WVEMD must solicit projects from local governments for at least six weeks using this Public Notice. The project proposal list will accompany the application WVEMD submits to FEMA.
If awarded a capitalization grant, WVEMD may grant loans to projects from this project proposal list. A well-developed project proposal list affords the state the opportunity to focus limited loan funds to the local governments most in need of financial assistance and to prioritize loans for projects ready for financing.
Eligible EntitiesShould West Virginia receive this grant award, eligible entities, like local governments, should apply directly to the State.
Program PrioritiesFEMA's priorities for the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program are to:
Allowable UsesLoan funds may be used for mitigation projects and activities to increase resilience and mitigate the impacts of events such as drought, extreme heat, severe storms (including hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, cyclones, and severe winter storms), wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, shoreline erosion, high water levels, and storm surges.Allowable uses of funds include:
Loan Information
Next StepsCommunities interested in applying for a loan must complete the project interest form and submit it to WVEMD no later than April 12, 2024. WVEMD will develop a project proposal list based on proposals received from this Public Notice, for use in the state application for a capitalization grant. The Division will develop an Intended Use Plan which will be made available for public comment. The Division intends to apply to FEMA for the capitalization grant by April 29, 2024.
QuestionsQuestions may be directed to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, Gabriel Reed at gabriel.a.reed@wv.gov.
FEMA: www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf