Full Breakdown
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Decisions: Approvals for Hawaii, Nevada, Guam and Denial for Washington
4/28/2026, 4:07:26 AM
Background & Context
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to reduce long-term disaster risk. In 2026 the agency operated under a prolonged federal appropriations lapse, the longest in U.S. history, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized efforts to clear a backlog of pending requests.
Funding Allocations
- Hawaii – FEMA approved $3.8 million to upgrade the Energy Management System that monitors the Maui and Hawai‘i island electric grids, and $800 thousand for a Distribution Digital Twin model to improve grid reliability and wildfire-spark risk. The total allocation to the state was $4.6 million.
- Nevada – Two post-fire HMGP awards provided just over $500 thousand to cover direct and indirect costs of wildfire-mitigation projects.
- Guam – $134 thousand was designated for electrical-assessment work and the installation of a generator and air-conditioning unit at the Adventist Medical Clinic, a facility that relieves hospital demand after disasters.
- Nationwide Flood Mitigation – FEMA announced $250 million for more than 100 flood-mitigation projects in other states, illustrating continued disbursement of HMGP resources.
- Washington – The state sought a hazard-mitigation grant equal to 20 % of its $182.3 million damage estimate—approximately $36.6 million—to fund flood-wall construction and other protective infrastructure. FEMA’s response classified the statewide request as “not warranted,” leaving the grant unapproved.
Official Statements & Responses
FEMA Associate Administrator Gregg Phillips wrote to Governor Bob Ferguson that, after reviewing the request, the agency determined the Hazard Mitigation Grant designation “is not warranted.” Governor Ferguson emphasized that without flood-wall infrastructure, damage from the December 2025 storms would have been “significantly worse.” Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) called the denial “unacceptable,” noting that disaster declarations aid recovery while mitigation grants protect against future events. DHS officials reiterated that the agency is addressing the funding backlog despite the appropriations lapse.
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Larsen’s statement reflects broader criticism that the administration’s selective funding approach disadvantages states led by Democratic officials. The denial contrasts with simultaneous approvals for flood-mitigation projects in other jurisdictions, raising questions about consistency in applying HMGP criteria.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
FEMA’s letter provides no detailed rationale for deeming Washington’s grant “not warranted,” and the agency has not disclosed the specific criteria that differentiated the state’s request from approved projects elsewhere. This lack of transparency constitutes a reporting gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the disaster declaration helps people recover from the last flood, but hazard mitigation helps people survive the next flood.” — Rep. Rick Larsen, D-WA
- “You specifically requested Individual Assistance for 10 counties and 16 tribal nations; Public Assistance for 23 counties and 24 tribal nations, and Hazard Mitigation statewide,” — Gregg Phillips, FEMA Associate Administrator
- “The impact to individuals and households and the infrastructure was significant in the areas designated for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.” — Gregg Phillips, FEMA
- “The upgrades would enable real-time monitoring and control to triage threats and impacts to the electrical grid from natural hazards, according to the Department of Homeland Security.” — Department of Homeland Security representative (Hawaii EMS upgrade)
- “FEMA mitigation grant programs empower states, local governments, tribal nations and territories to complete activities and projects that enhance their resilience.” — Nevada Office of Emergency Management
What’s Next
Washington has a 30-day window to submit additional documentation and appeal the denial. Meanwhile, the approved projects in Hawaii, Nevada, and Guam are slated to begin implementation under the HMGP framework, with progress monitored by FEMA and state partners.
