Rumson to Host Hazard Mitigation Meeting

Rumson officials have announced on the borough's website that there will be an orientation meeting for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Rumson Borough Hall, a message on the site said.

Open to the public, residents are being encouraged to register for the event by clicking here.

The purpose of the meeting is to describe the program, who is eligible, the steps each eligible resident must take if they are interested in participating, and how Rumson residents can benefit and figure into plans to move forward via the program.

The following information from the FEMA website explains the program:

What Is The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program?

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration.

Authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act and administered by FEMA, HMGP was created to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

What Types Of Projects Can Be Funded By The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program?

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds may be used to fund projects that will reduce or eliminate the losses from future disasters.

Projects must provide a long-term solution to a problem, for example, elevation of a home to reduce the risk of flood damages as opposed to buying sandbags and pumps to fight the flood.

In addition, a project's potential savings must be more than the cost of implementing the project. Funds may be used to protect either public or private property or to purchase property that has been subjected to, or is in danger of, repetitive damage.

See the FEMA website and/or Rumson website for more information.