ALBANY – The New York State Office of Emergency Management has forwarded almost $52 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications to FEMA for federal review and approval to support projects that are designed to save lives and protect property from future disasters.

Hazard mitigation addresses cost-effective measures that can be taken before disaster strikes to save lives and reduce future damages to public facilities, homes, and other improved property. The program was establishes after the devastating damage from Tropical Storms Irene and Lee last year.

The applications submission includes $3.5 million in planning grants to aid 19 counties or planning consortiums to develop hazard mitigation plans. A total of over $48.1 million in grants would allow 16 communities purchase 404 damaged or at-risk homes in floodplains in counties including in Orange, Rockland and Westchester. Additional acquisition and elevation projects in those counties as well as in Greene and Ulster counties are expected to sent to FEMA soon.