Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Interlocal Agreement between Seminole County and the City of Altamonte Springs for County grant preparation, processing, and oversight of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Private Property Mitigation Programs for private properties located within the City. Countywide (Alan Harris, Emergency Management Director)
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Division:
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Emergency Management - Emergency Management
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Authorized By:
Alan Harris, Emergency Management Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Alan Harris/407-665-5017
Background:
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans and implement projects that reduce future disaster losses. Under this program, local communities may apply for funding on behalf of homeowners and businesses following a Presidential Disaster Declaration. To be eligible, state and local governments must adopt a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan.
On June 10, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2025-2030 Local Mitigation and Resiliency Strategy, ensuring continued eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation funding.
In May 2023, following Hurricane Ian, the City of Altamonte Springs requested that the County enter into an interlocal agreement for County administration and oversight of nine (9) HMGP applications for private properties within the City. This collaboration enabled City property owners to seek funding for the mitigation of flooding, erosion, and other disaster-related vulnerabilities.
The original interlocal agreement only applied to the identified properties and thus, the City now seeks to enter into a new, expanded interlocal agreement that broadens the County’s support to include processing and administration of all FEMA-administered Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs, beyond just HMGP, for all private properties making these grant funding requests within the City. These programs provide opportunities for residents and property owners to secure funding for projects that reduce long-term disaster risks and improve property resilience.
The attached proposed interlocal agreement outlines the respective roles and responsibilities of the County and City, and authorizes the County to act on behalf of City residents and property owners to consult, apply for, obtain, and manage private property mitigation and resiliency grant funding under FEMA and State of Florida programs. It also outlines the County’s responsibilities in application preparation, development, processing, presentation, grant award compliance, agreement preparation and execution, project development and oversight, financial reimbursement, reporting, and annual insurance verification. The City is responsible for administering the closing process for acquisition projects and taking ownership of private properties within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City.
Further, under FEMA regulations, individuals and corporate entities may not apply directly for HMA funding; they must apply through a sponsoring local government. The proposed interlocal agreement transfers the City of Altamonte Springs’ authority as the authority having jurisdiction to the County, and will allow the County to use its infrastructure, employees expertise, and capacity to manage these grants effectively on behalf of City residents.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Interlocal Agreement between Seminole County and the City of Altamonte Springs for oversight of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Private Property Mitigation Programs.