The differences between ImprovedProjects and Alternate Projects, as explicitly mentioned in the document, areas follows: ​

Improved Projects:

1. Definition: An Improved Project involves making     improvements to a damaged facility while still restoring it to its     pre-disaster function. ​
2. Funding Limitations: FEMA limits Public Assistance     (PA) funding for an Improved Project to the lesser of the federal share of     the approved estimate to restore the facility to its pre-disaster design     and function or the federal share of the actual costs of completing the     Improved Project. ​
3. Use of Funds: Improved Project funds can be used     to improve the damaged facility, with examples including laying asphalt on     a gravel road, replacing a firehouse with more bays, and relocating a     facility. ​
4. Eligibility: The facility must have the same     function that existed immediately prior to the disaster. ​
5. Mitigation: Funding for PA hazard mitigation for     an Improved Project is limited to what would have been available if the     facility had been restored to its pre-disaster design. ​

Alternate Projects:

1. Definition: An Alternate Project is chosen when     the applicant determines that restoring the pre-disaster function of a     damaged facility is not in the public welfare's best interest. ​
2. Funding Limitations: FEMA limits federal funding     for an Alternate Project to the lesser of the federal share of the     approved estimate to restore the facility to its pre-disaster design and     function or the federal share of the actual cost of completing the     Alternate Project. ​
3. Use of Funds: Alternate Project funds can be used     for various purposes, such as repairing, expanding, mitigating, or     constructing a facility, demolishing facilities, purchasing capital     equipment, funding project shortfalls, supplementing funds for an Improved     Project, and conducting hazard mitigation measures. ​
4. Restrictions: Alternate Project funds have     restrictions on their use, such as not being able to fund budget     shortfalls, create new community plans, or pay for operating expenses.
5. Mitigation: Alternate Project funds can be used     for hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future damage, even     if the facility was not damaged by the incident. ​

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