Open Space Reporting
FEMA mandates that applicants report on all properties acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants every three (3) years. This requirement, derived from 44 CFR 80.19, states, “the property must be dedicated and maintained in perpetuity as open space for the conservation of natural floodplain functions.” To comply with this requirement, the Open Space Verification Report in EM Grants helps to ensure that designated land aligns with established standards, benefiting current and future generations.
VDEM identified properties requiring open space reporting, i.e. completed Acquisition/Demolition projects. Localities will receive a VDEM EM Grants notification for each property that is required to complete an Open Space Verification Report. The report must be completed in VDEM EM Grants within four (4) months.
Information needed from the locality in this report is as follows:
- Verification that the property is being maintained as open space (requires a physical site visit to the property);
- Current use, e.g. park, natural habitat, trail, etc.;
- Date of most recent inspection;
- Site photo upload.
To explain these requirements, VDEM hosted two webinars. The recordings of these webinars can be found below. Additionally, a job aid is available to walk through the process.