Capped Projects

Capped Project Funding

Prior to work commencing, the Applicant must receive approval of a copped project. Once FEMA caps the funding, the type of capped project impacts the maximum Federal funding the Applicant can receive.

Improved Project Funding:

Federal funding for an Improved Project is limited to the lesser of the following:

  • The Federal share of the approved estimated cost to restore the damaged facility to its pre-disaster design and function; or
  • The Federal share of the actual costs of completing the Improved Project.

FEMA only increases eligible funding for an Improved Project if the Applicant identifies an error or omission in the original statement of work or cost estimate related to restoring the facility to its pre-disaster design and function

Alternate Project Funding:

Federal funding for an Alternate Project is capped at the lesser of:

  • Ninety percent (75 percent for private nonprofits) of the Federal share of the estimate to restore the original facility; or
  • The Federal share of the actual cost of completing the Alternate Project

Alternative Procedures Project:

An Alternative Procedures Project is capped at the Federal share of the estimate to restore the original facility. If the Applicant does not expend all of those funds, it may use the excess funds for approved purposes.

Capped Projects

FEMA provides three options that provide flexibility for the Applicant to use Public Assistance funding differently than restoring the pre-disaster design and function of the facility. FEMA caps the amount of Public Assistance funding based on the estimated amount to restore the damaged facility to its pre-disaster design and function, including applicable and federally required codes and standards.

The three capped project options are:

  • Improved Project
  • A project that restores the pre-disaster function, and at least the same capacity, of the damaged facility and incorporates improvements or changes to its pre-disaster design not required by eligible codes or standards.
  • Alternate Project
  • The use of funds toward a project that does not restore the pre-disaster function of the damaged facility. If the Applicant determines the public welfare would not be best served by restoring a damaged facility or its function, it may use the funds toward a different facility that benefit the same community.
  • Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work Project
  • The use of Large Project funds toward a project(s) that restores the facility to its pre-disaster design and function or toward a project that would otherwise be an Improved or Alternate Project.

FEMA caps the amount of Public Assistance funding based on the estimated amount to restore the damaged facility to its pre-disaster design and function, including applicable and federally required codes and standards.

The capped amount may include a reasonable amount of Direct Administrative Costs and soft costs based on the scope of work to restore the facility to its pre-disaster design and function. However, the capped amount does not include costs that are only related to, or only triggered by, changes to the pre-disaster design or function of the damaged facility. These include, but are not limited to, costs related to:

  • Additional engineering and design
  • Environmental and historic preservation compliance
  • Work required by applicable and federally required codes and standards

For Alternative Procedures Projects specifically, FEMA does not adjust the capped amount even if the Applicant discovers hidden damage during the course of completing previously approved work.

If the Applicant's actual costs exceed the capped amount, FEMA does not approve additional funds. More detailed information is available in the IS-1005: Public Assistance Alternative Procedures course.

Capped Project Approval

Improved Project:

For Improved Projects, the Applicant must obtain approval from the Recipient. If the Improved Project significantly changes the pre-disaster configuration of the facility, the Recipient must forward the request to FEMA to ensure that the Improved Project complies with appropriate environmental and historic preservation laws, regulations, and executive orders.

Alternate Project:

For Alternative Procedures Projects, FEMA, Recipient, and the Applicant must obtain approval from FEMA. If the Alternate Project involves construction, the Applicant must obtain FEMA approval prior to the start of construction.

Alternative Procedures Project:

For Alternative Procedures Projects, FEMA, the Recipient, and the Applicant must reach agreement on the capped amount within 12 months of the declaration date. Upon request from the Applicant, FEMA may approve a time extension on a project-by-project basis. The Applicant's request must include the circumstances that justify the extension and demonstrate progress on reaching an agreement. In complex or catastrophic incidents, upon request from the Recipient, FEMA may approve an extension for all Applicants.


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This website  is intended as a national source of information about  the delivery of  financial recovery services. It includes resources on eligibility, procurement, grant management delivery, and issues related to various Federal Programs currently supporting FEMA  Public Assistance program  financial recovery for governments and non-profits. This website is not affiliated or endorsed or sponsored  by  FEMA  or any other Federal grant program. The information provided in various webpage documents is derived largely from Federal  published materials. In general, under section 105 of the Copyright Act, such works are not entitled to domestic copyright protection under U.S. law and are therefore in the public domain.  The goal is to help navigate the various Federal websites and summarize grant information and requirements. It does not constitute legal advice or grant management advise and is provided for general informational purposes only. Only the Federal Agency responsible for grants can make determinations on eligibility and grant amounts. You should consult with your professional services advisors and State and Federal Grant Coordinators for more detailed guidance on specific FEMA Public Assistance financial recovery issues.

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