GLO Mitigation Funding Competitions
In 2020, the GLO held a mitigation funding competition for entities in counties deemed eligible by HUD due to damage resulting from disasters in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The competition was open to cities, counties, COGs, state entities, and special purpose districts. Examples of eligible projects included flood control and drainage improvements, infrastructure improvements, green infrastructure, public facilities, and buyouts. Each proposed project must have a total proposed cost between $3 million to $100 million for 2017-eligible applications and $10 million for 2015 and 2016 eligible applications. HUD defined mitigation as activities that increase resilience to disasters and reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life, injury, damage to and loss of property, and suffering and hardship, by lessening the impact of future disasters.
The State of Texas CDBG Mitigation Action Plan: Building Stronger for a Resilient Future outlined the use of funds, programs, eligible applicants, and eligibility criteria. The plan was sent to HUD on February 3, 2020, after an extraordinary public outreach effort including a 50-day public comment period, which far-surpassed HUD requirements by hosting eight public hearings - three public hearings prior to the completion of the draft plan and five following publication of the draft plan. HUD rules only required two public hearings prior to the draft plan and two following the publication of the draft plan. The plan, including the scoring criteria for the competition, was approved by HUD March 31, 2020.