FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is providing billions of dollars for projects that reduce the risk of future disaster damage, creating significant opportunities for restoration contractors who can perform mitigation work alongside their traditional restoration services.
Hazard mitigation grants fund projects such as elevation of flood-prone structures, installation of hurricane straps and shutters, home hardening against wildfire, and other improvements that reduce the vulnerability of structures to natural disasters.
For restoration contractors, the HMGP represents a growing revenue stream that complements their traditional disaster response work. Contractors who are familiar with FEMA's mitigation standards and can perform mitigation work are well-positioned to capture this market.
The Biden administration significantly expanded FEMA's hazard mitigation programs, and the Trump administration has continued to fund mitigation projects as part of its disaster recovery strategy. The bipartisan support for hazard mitigation reflects the strong economic case for investing in disaster prevention.
Industry organizations are developing training and certification programs to help restoration contractors qualify for and perform FEMA-funded hazard mitigation work, recognizing that mitigation is an increasingly important part of the restoration industry's service portfolio.
