HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), administered by FEMA, funds projects to reduce future disaster risks in communities after a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Its goal is to prevent repeated damage and repairs by enhancing safety. Funded by the Disaster Relief Fund, it covers up to 75% of eligible project costs for states, territories, tribes, and some local governments. Individuals cannot directly apply, but benefit from community projects. Examples include elevating flood-prone homes, strengthening infrastructure, and constructing shelters. The process involves a disaster declaration, notice of interest from the affected state/territory, project proposals from local governments, and FEMA review.
THE TERRITORIAL HAZARD MITIGATION COUNCIL
Established in 2002, the Territorial Hazard Mitigation Council (THMC) is appointed by the Governor and serves as the authoritative body for the American Samoa Hazard Mitigation Plan. This mandate stems from the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, specifically Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as promulgated through Public Law 106-390.
The THMC is responsible for ensuring the implementation of policies and projects that adequately mitigate risks to life and property from natural hazards. Its duties include identifying and prioritizing hazard mitigation projects, as well as overseeing the execution of the American Samoa Hazard Mitigation Plan and subsequent plans adopted by the Council.
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Assist the Governor’s Office and The Government of American Samoa in identifying hazard mitigation issues and opportunities facing the Territory of American Samoa for the purpose of developing a comprehensive hazard mitigation strategy.
2. Prepare strategies, policies, and reports on hazard mitigation issues, including hazard mitigation policy recommendations to the Governor, the Fono, and key territorial agencies involved in mitigation related areas within their normal agency missions.
3. Ensure that territorial agencies collaborate and cooperate fully to develop and execute sustainable hazard mitigation actions that will reduce the risks posed by all hazards to the Territory.
4. Coordinate with and support territorial agencies’ efforts in obtaining and administering federal and other grants, including post-disaster mitigation grants available pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, for the purposes of promoting hazard mitigation opportunities within the Territory.
5. Identify and prioritize mitigation activities, on an annual basis, for funding under the Building Resilient and Infrastructure Communities (BRIC), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and other mitigation funds that become available.
6. Encourage and support the solicitation of grant support through other Territorial agencies for hazard mitigation activities.
Members of the THMC
1. Lieutenant Governor, Alternate GAR, Governor’s Office;
2. Attorney General, GAR/Hazard Mitigation Chairperson, Attorney General’s Office;
3. Member of (Senate), Appointed by the President of the Senate;
4. Secretary of Samoan Affairs or designee;
5. Director of the Department of Commerce or designee;
6. Director of the Department of Port Administration or designee;
7. Director of the Department of Public Works or designee;
8. Director of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency or designee;
9. Director of the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office or designee;
10. Director of the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security or designee;
11. Chief Executive Officer of the American Samoa Power Authority or designee;
12. Chief Executive Officer of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority;
13. Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce or designee;
14. Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources or designee;
15. Director of the Governor’s Resilience Office or designee;
16. Director of the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management
American Samoa
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
The American Samoa Hazard Mitigation Plan aims to reduce risks, strengthen preparedness, build safer communities, and improve quality of life by continuously lessening the impact of natural disasters, climate hazards, and human-caused threats. This plan, which meets FEMA's mitigation planning requirements, was approved by FEMA Region IX Regional Administrator, Mr. Robert Fenton, Jr. in June 2025, and complies with 44 CFR Section 201.4, Standard Hazard Mitigation Plan. A copy can be requested from Sandi Tonumaipea at ODAPM, but its contents and attachments are legally protected from disclosure.
