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The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is seeking interest from communities that would like to apply for 1% interest loans for hazard mitigation projects under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STRLF) managed by FEMA.
The STRLF program is a component of the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act of 2021 and provides hazard mitigation loan assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters. As established by the amendment to the Stafford Act, TDEM is soliciting proposals for the revolving loan fund. This loan may be used for hazard mitigation projects as outlined below including non-federal cost match for existing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant projects that have been obligated by FEMA. These proposals do not require a benefit-cost analysis, as is required in other mitigation programs.
When considering applying for this loan program, it is important to understand that FEMA has labeled the roll-out of the program as an “iterative process” where they will continue to develop the program while it is being implemented. Therefore, STRLF program requirements may change as FEMA continues implementation.
This is a low interest loan that must be paid in full, this is not a grant. The maximum amount of a loan under the STRLF program may not exceed $5 million. Loan repayment must commence no later than 1 year after project completion. Loan repayment is required to be complete no later than 20 years after project completion, or 30 years after the date the project is completed for projects in a low-income geographic area. The loan recipient must establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment.
Loan applicants must have and maintain a hazard mitigation plan that has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Loans awarded for certain types of projects will require Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review prior to loan disbursement. Applicants may use the loan for (1) activities that mitigate the impact of natural hazards, (2) non-federal cost share for FEMA HMA projects, (3) zoning and land use planning, (4) mitigation planning, or (5) building code adoption and enforcement.
The following hazard mitigation activities are eligible for loans under this program:
TDEM will host three informational webinars to provide an overview to the loan program. Please select the link below to register for an information session.
Register here for an information session.
Applications submitted after 5:00PM CDT on April 21, 2023 and incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. Applicants with any outstanding recoupments (or funds due to TDEM) will not be eligible for loan funding consideration until these debits are paid in full.
Please direct questions to your regional TDEM Section Chief – please click here for a map and contact information.
Details of the STRFL program are subject to change as FEMA policy guidance becomes available.