Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program

Illinois Emergency Management Agency [IEMA] is seeking interest from communities in applying for low interest loans to implement hazard mitigation projects that reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

IEMA is in the information gathering process so the state may apply for a capitalization grant from the “Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program.”

If a capitalization grant is awarded, Illinois would be able to offer low interest loans to communities. To apply, IEMA must provide a project proposal list generated from input from communities.

We ask communities that would be interested in applying for a loan, to complete an online project information form and submit to the IEMA Hazard Mitigation mailbox at ema.mitigation@illinois.gov.

Please note, this is not a loan application. No funding is currently available. If loan funding becomes available, communities who complete the form will be asked to apply.

Eligibility

• If awarded, a capitalization grant would allow the state to provide loans to local governments and tribes.
•  Loan applicants must have a hazard mitigation plan that has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
•  Loans awarded for certain types of projects will require Environment and Historic Preservation (EHP) review (before loan disbursement).
• A benefit-cost analysis is not required.

Hazard Mitigation Activities

• Eligible project types under this program include, activities that reduce disaster risks for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities from the impact of natural hazards, including:
  • Drought and prolonged episodes of intense heat
  • Severe storms, including hurricanes, tornados, windstorms, cyclones, and severe winter storms
  • Wildfires
  • Earthquakes
  • Flooding, including the construction, repair, or replacement of a non-Federal levee or other flood control structure (subject to specific requirements)
  • Shoreline erosion
  • High water levels
  • Storm surges
• Zoning and land use planning changes
• Building code enforcement
• Loans under this program may also be used by communities to pay the non-federal cost share for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants

Loan Information

• The maximum loan amount per hazard mitigation project is $5 million
• Interest rate of no more than 1 percent
• Loan repayment will commence no later than 1 year after project completion
• Loan repayment will be complete no later than 20 years after the date the project is completed, or 30 years after the date the project is completed for projects in a low-income geographic area
• Loan recipient must establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment

Next Steps

• Communities interested in applying for a loan must complete the online project information form by April 10, 2023.
• The IEMA/OHS will develop a project proposal list, generated from community input, for use in the state application for a capitalization grant.
• If there is adequate community interest in loan funding for eligible activities, IEMA will develop an “Intended Use Plan” which will be made available for public comment.
• IEMA will complete and submit a grant application package to FEMA by April 10, 2023.

If you have questions about this program, contact Sam Al-Basha, State Hazard Mitigation Officer at 217-785-9942 or send an email to the IEMA/OHS Hazard Mitigation mailbox ema.mitigation@illinois.gov
Please visit FEMA’s website for more information about the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program. See below for instructions about completing the on-line project information for