The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA) established a nation-wide program for pre-disaster mitigation, and streamlined the administration of disaster relief. It reinforced the importance of mitigation planning and emphasized planning for disasters before they occur. To accomplish this, the Act established a pre-disaster hazard mitigation program. It also presented new requirements for the national post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
New requirements in the DMA allow HMGP funds to be used for planning activities, and increases the amount of HMGP funds available to states that have developed a comprehensive, enhanced mitigation plan prior to a disaster. Marathon County received a grant through this program to complete its Hazard Mitigation Plan. States and communities must have an approved plan in place before receiving post-disaster HMGP funds. The deadline for approval of plans is November 2004.