DISASTER RECOVERY EXPERTS

Hazard Mitigation Consulting Services and Assistance

DRE, Inc. is available to assist and augment the County and Operational area resources with hazard mitigation assistance program-related activities including meshing the CDBG funding, from planning services through project implementation. In support of these efforts, DRE, Inc. is available to perform the following services.

Hazard Mitigation Planning

• Prepare planning grant application for available funding support.
• Once approved, begin plan update process with a preliminary review of existing plans and related materials; conduct a kickoff meeting with Cal OES and key stakeholders to develop agreed-upon action steps and timeline.
• Review and document mitigation efforts identified in existing plan.
• Conduct public meetings with local agencies and public representatives to gather potential mitigation project input and concerns; document public participation in a format that meets the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) 2000 criteria.
• Perform risk analysis and cost benefit analysis for viable projects based on the County's hazard vulnerability assessment.
• Review updated plan for compliance with federal, and state regulatory agencies, including National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) compliance.
• Finalize plan, bind hardcopy, prepare CD and deliver to State to be forwarded to FEMA.
• Revise plan according to crosswalk comments from FEMA (if any).
• Provide final copy of hazard mitigation plan ready for the County's adoption.
• Provide recommendations for document management, distribution, and usability.

Hazard Mitigation Project Grant Application

• Perform site visits and review available raw data.
• Gather/review damage history, engineering data and maps; research/incorporate environmental considerations.
• Gather information necessary to support benefit cost analysis (BCA) and perform BCA for proposed project.
• Gather supporting information, develop and document anticipated financial and work schedule for proposed project.
• Prepare HMGP grant application based on supporting documentation and BCAs, work with the State to submit application to FEMA and respond to feedback/response, make corrections as required, and submit final application by appropriate deadline.
• Provide phone and/or in-person support and follow-up as required to accomplish the functions outlined above.

Hazard Mitigation – Following Project Approval

• Review final grant agreements and project scopes.
• Review construction bid documents, submittals and contracts for consistency with grant program guidelines.
• Monitor projects' progress to ensure grant timelines.
• Review all expenses to satisfy Cal OES and FEMA audits.
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports.
• Prepare advance of funds or funding reimbursement requests.
• Track and document grant administrative costs.
• Prepare and complete closeout documents.
• Coordination with applicable contractors, engineers and State staff where necessary.
• Monitor property acquisition transactions.
• Initiate property owner discussions and appraisals.
• Monitor demolition and disposal of acquired structures.
• Assist in community public notice and awareness.