MEC&F Expert Engineers : FIMA Announces Availability of Benefit Cost Analysis Tools for Drought and Ecosystem Services

Saturday, June 11, 2016

FIMA Announces Availability of Benefit Cost Analysis Tools for Drought and Ecosystem Services



Hazard Mitigation Assistance: Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities Updates

This email provides information on three new activities eligible for the HMA programs: Aquifer Storage and Recovery, Floodplain and Stream Restoration, and Flood Diversion and Storage, known as the Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities (CRMA). 

FIMA Announces Availability of Benefit Cost Analysis Tools for Drought and Ecosystem Services

FEMA has developed Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Tools and Guidance to calculate benefits for climate resilient mitigation activities, including drought mitigation, ecosystem services, and pre-calculated benefits for cost-effectiveness evaluation of soil stabilization, flood diversion, and reforestation projects in wildfire impacted areas to support expedient implementation of post-wildfire mitigation actions. The tools and guidance include:
  • Aquifer Storage and Recovery BCA Calculator Tool
  • Ecosystem Service Benefits Calculator
  • Supplemental BCA Guidance for Floodwater Diversion and Storage Projects
  • Supplemental BCA Guidance for Floodplain and Stream Restoration Projects
  • Pre-calculated benefits for post-wildfire mitigation actions
If you require the Microsoft Excel version of either of the calculator tools, or if you have any questions on details of the Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA), visit the BCA website, contact the BCA Helpline at 1-855-540-6744 or bchelpline@fema.dhs.gov.
These additional BCA Tools are available for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) for which the application period is open on or after the date of the May 12, 2016. Please note that not all mitigation activities are eligible under all three programs. For example, wildfire mitigation is eligible under HMGP and PDM, but not FMA.
The Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities are available for HMPG funding resulting from a major disaster declared on or after September 30, 2015, and for competitive PDM and FMA funding for which the application period opened on or after September 30, 2015.

Hurricane Preparedness: Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins


June 1 marked the start of the Atlantic Hurricane season and FEMA encourages everyone to take action and prepare for disasters now. A good resource you can use is to download the FEMA smartphone app to your device. This will give you information about what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also receive weather alerts in your area from NOAA’s National Weather Service, find lifesaving safety tips, and have access to disaster resources should you need them. The app is available in English and Spanish from the Apple App store or the Google Play store.