Mitigation Technical Assistance Programs

There are three major mitigation technical assistance programs that provide technical support to state/local communities, FEMA Regional and Headquarters Mitigation staff in support of mitigation initiatives. These programs include the Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Program, the National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program, and the Wind and Water Technical Assistance Program. They provide the technical support that is necessary to mitigate against potential loss of lives and minimize the amount of damage as a result of a natural disaster.

The Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Program Contract (HMTAP)

The HMTAP is an ad hoc technical assistance program created to provide assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Headquarters and Regional Mitigation Staff. This multi-hazards program was designed to provide architectural, engineering, and other mitigation related technical assistance in support of post disaster mitigation initiatives.

The HMTAP is available for use by all FEMA Regional and Headquarters Mitigation staff.

Examples of HMTAP projects are environmental assessments, benefit cost analysis, engineering/architectural feasibility studies, remote sensing and geographic information systems assistance, post disaster floodplain analysis to assist in mitigation activities, and training to assist in the implementation of mitigation activities.

The National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP)

The NETAP is a technical assistance program created to provide ad hoc short-term architectural and engineering support to state/local communities as they are related to earthquake mitigation. The program was designed to enhance the state/local communities' ability to become more resistant to seismic hazards. This assistance cannot be used for actions that are covered under the State's/Territories Performance Partnership Agreement (PPA). This program assists in carrying out the statutory authorities of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended.

Technical assistance under the NETAP is available for use by the state/local communities within the 45 eligible and or participating seismic states and U.S. territories. This assistance is provided at no cost to the requesting local community/state government.

Examples of NETAP projects are seismic retrofit/evaluation training, evaluation of seismic hazards critical/essential facilities, post earthquake evaluations of buildings and development of retrofit guidance for homeowners.

Additional information concerning the NETAP Program maybe acquired through the FEMA Regional Office or your state/territorial earthquake program representative.

The Wind and Water Technical Assistance Program (WAWTAP)

The WAWTAP is a technical assistance program created to provide ad hoc short-term assistance in support of the hurricane and flood programs. The program was designed to enhance the state/local communities' ability to become more resistant to hazards related to flooding and hurricanes. This assistance cannot be used for actions that are covered under the State's/Territories Performance Partnership Agreement (PPA). This program assists in carrying out the statutory authorities of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

Technical assistance under the WAWTAP is available for use by all states and U.S. territories that participate in the Hurricane and or Flood Programs. This assistance is provided at no cost to the requesting State/local communities.

Examples of projects that can be executed under WAWTAP are hurricane/flood mitigation planning assistance, technical guidance in developing flood/wind retrofit measures, study and analysis of storm phenomena, and training associated with flood/wind mitigation.