$74K for CNMI’s hazard mitigation program

The CNMI has received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency the latest estimate for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, currently set at $74,397, according to Governor’s Authorized Representative Virginia C. Villagomez.

In line with this, Villagomez has asked government agencies to submit a proposed listing of projects for this particular program.

“All project applications will be considered and reviewed properly. Should the combined total of project submissions exceed the availability of funds, the HMGP Selection Committee will evaluate and prioritize all eligible applications,” she said in a memorandum.

Projects that will be prioritized include:

1). Those that best fit within the overall intent of the CNMI’s Hazard Mitigation Plan;

2). Projects that, if not taken, will have a severe detrimental impact on the applicant, such as potential loss of life and property, loss of essential services, damages to critical facilities, or economic hardship on the community;

3). Projects that have the greatest potential impact on reducing future disaster losses;

4). Projects that are designed to accomplish multiple objectives, including damage reduction, environmental enhancement, economic recovery, safety, etc;

5). Projects that are cost beneficial.

The committee will also consider the ability of the applicants to fund the matching requirement. This rate is presently at 75/25.

“If [an agency is] a recipient of the Covenant 702-CIP funding, this money loses its federal identity and may be used as a match for HMGP funds provided that the projects are eligible under that program,” Villagomez said.

She said an applicant that demonstrates a high level of interest, capability, and commitment toward the completion of the project would also be prioritized.

“It is also important to note that 44 CFR 206.43(b) require that all projects be cost effective. It basically requires that projects must ‘not cost more than the anticipated value of the reduction in both direct damages and subsequent negative impacts to the area if future disaster were to occur. Both costs and benefits will be computed on net present value basis.’ We will assist all applicants with this requirement by utilizing software modules, or direct FEMA technical assistance,” she said.

To avoid duplication of efforts, and to alleviate the electronic processing of all projects applications, all autonomous agencies are asked to submit their project applications through their respective main office on Saipan.

“We will forward relevant information to apprise you of eligible administrative costs that may be included in the project costs. For those who have already submitted project applications, but failed to include such costs, we will address this by adding this amount on top of your project cost in accordance with the established ‘sliding scale’ rates,” Villagomez said.

The deadline for submission of project applications is July 15, 2006.