The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has announced a new funding opportunity through the Federal Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act. This program, administered by FEMA, provides states with capitalization grants that can be used to offer low-interest loans directly to local governments.
In New York, STORM Act funds support the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (HM RLF) Program, designed to help communities strengthen resilience to natural hazards. Under this program, local governments can access loans at interest rates of 1% or less, with repayment beginning one year after project completion.
These funds may be used to carry out a variety of hazard mitigation projects, including covering the local match required for federal hazard mitigation grants. Unlike many FEMA programs, the HM RLF does not require a passing Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA), opening the door for communities to fund important projects that might otherwise be ineligible.
Available Federal Funding:
FY23 HM RLF Award: $6,235,802
Key Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be a local government (counties, cities, towns, villages, or other political subdivisions).
Applicants must have a current, FEMA-approved multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Proposed projects must be consistent with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance.
Loan recipients must identify a dedicated source of revenue for repayment.
Application Process:
Loan applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly until funds are fully awarded. Applications will be prioritized based on eligibility and alignment with New York’s Intended Use Plan for the HM RLF.
Local governments interested in applying should submit a completed RLF Interest Form to:
📧 HazardMitigationRLF@dhses.ny.gov
DHSES also encourages counties and municipalities to share this information widely with government entities and other eligible subapplicants within their jurisdiction.
For full details and eligibility information, visit the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (HM RLF) section of the NYS DHSES website.
For questions, contact DHSES Hazard Mitigation at:
📧 HazardMitigationRLF@dhses.ny.gov
