Property Buyouts within the CBRS

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined that, under its regulations, only non-disaster assistance funding can be expended for property buyouts within the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS).  Therefore, acquisitions within the CBRS are eligible only under the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, Severe Repetitive Loss Program, and Repetitive Flood Claims Program, but not the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  Acquisitions within the CBRS must meet all of the requirements of 44 CFR Part 80 and FEMA’s grant guidance concerning the use of grant funds and the use of acquired real property (see http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program).  Acquisitions within the CBRS must also be consistent with the purposes of CBRA and qualify as projects for the study, management, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and habitats, as provided in 16 U.S.C. § 3505(a)(6)(A).