NVCOG will overmatch FEMA funds, shift work in‑house to update regional hazard mitigation plan

NVCOG staff informed the board that regional hazard mitigation plans for member towns are expiring and that a rule change at FEMA made planning ineligible for the BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) program. NVCOG had originally applied for $300,000 in federal funds with a required 25% local match; member towns previously committed to that match and have made initial payments.

Staff reported that the current FEMA funding available is roughly $116,000 — less than the original award sought — and recommended adjusting the project scope and bringing more work in‑house. That approach, staff said, would use existing town commitments and NVCOG staff time to fill an approximate $200,000 gap so the updated plan can be completed. “We think that by bringing some of that work in house and changing the scope a little bit, we think that we can still produce that updated plan,” a staff presenter said. No additional resolutions or formal votes were required at the meeting.

Why it matters: A current hazard mitigation plan is typically required for towns to be eligible for certain FEMA mitigation and emergency management grants; letting plans lapse can limit access to future federal mitigation funding. NVCOG’s proposal aims to preserve eligibility by finishing an updated plan despite reduced federal support.

Board follow up: Staff will circulate invoices and a finance memo to member towns documenting payments already received and the schedule for remaining charges; the transcript shows staff will not bill the FY28 budget for the remaining balance until later in the month, and that no town will be asked to amend prior commitments.