Can a community be eligible for a Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant without a disaster declaration?

A community can be eligible for a Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant without a disaster declaration primarily because the program sometimes allows for statewide eligibility following a disaster. When a disaster is declared in a state, it can create provisions under which all communities within that state can access certain federal disaster assistance, even if they were not directly affected by the disaster.

This allows the state to promote and support broader mitigation efforts across multiple jurisdictions to enhance overall resilience, irrespective of whether every community was impacted. While communities directly impacted by a disaster are typically prioritized for funding, there are scenarios where states can apply for and distribute hazard mitigation grants to all eligible communities seeking to improve their mitigation efforts.

The focus on statewide eligibility highlights the importance of proactive risk management and encourages mitigation practices even in areas not directly struck by disaster, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to community preparedness and resilience.