It is no secret that disasters are increasing significantly in frequency and severity. In 2023 alone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed 28 weather and climate-related events, each resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. To help enhance resiliency and mitigate future losses from disasters, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it will begin to fund net-zero projects.
FEMA will now distribute federal dollars to eligible applicants through Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). Projects may include solar microgrids, heat pumps, certified high-performance appliances, and passive heating and cooling systems. FEMA’s overarching goal is to reduce utility costs, increase energy reliability, and alleviate disaster-related costs for communities.
For federally declared disasters after August 16, 2022, applicants may use the financial assistance provided under FEMA PA for unobligated projects. Funding may also be available to eligible applicants through HMGP and HMGP Post Fire. Additionally, the Fiscal Year 2023 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) stated that projects subject to higher costs due to incorporation of net-zero energy projects may be included.
If you need assistance understanding the impact of FEMA’s announcement or the available funding streams, our Resilience and Recovery team is here to help. Connect with one of our subject matter experts here.
