FEMA selects Freeport’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant application for review

City of Freeport’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Application selected for further review. The city has announced that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) send them a notification that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) selected our Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant application for further review.

The notification means that the City has met with the requirements specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance. An application that “identified for further review” is not a notification of award.

The City is waiting for further instructions from IEMA as they work with a FEMA Regional Office to complete the pre-award activities for applications. The Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation compliance review has to be completed by Regional Offices for projects prior to award. The availability of FEMA funds will determine the awards.

FEMA, before making the final decision can request additional information or documentation regarding administrative or procedural requirements and conduct additional programmatic reviews. 28 applications were submitted by the State of Illinois. 20 of them were selected for further review.

The City of Freeport’s grant is the second largest in the state at $3.8 million. In 2019, the Freeport City Council approved a 25% cost share at $1.2 million if the grant is awarded. The City will release information upon receipt from IEMA.