TDEM: raise environmental and historic‑preservation issues early; 406 mitigation can fund hazard‑proofing

During the briefing, Reagan Middleton told attendees that FEMA will review projects for EHP compliance and encouraged applicants to flag potential environmental or historic‑preservation concerns early in the process to avoid delays or additional costs. He said that work affecting historic buildings, waterways or endangered‑species habitat will require review and may need extra documentation or mitigation steps.

Middleton also described Section 406 of the Stafford Act as a source of additional funding for cost‑effective hazard mitigation measures on damaged facilities; such measures are evaluated for cost effectiveness, technical feasibility and EHP compliance and apply only to damaged facilities (roads, bridges, buildings, utilities). He noted FEMA provides technical support and training resources (IS‑1014) on integrating mitigation into public‑assistance projects.