PRESS RELEASE
RBC | Rio Blanco County residents have an opportunity to review and comment on a draft update to the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, a document designed to help communities prepare for and reduce the impacts of future disasters.
The county’s current plan was approved in 2020 and is undergoing its required update to maintain eligibility for federal mitigation funding. The plan identifies local risks, evaluates strategies to reduce those risks and prioritizes projects aimed at protecting people, property and critical infrastructure.
According to project planners, the plan addresses both natural and human-caused hazards that could affect Rio Blanco County, including flooding, drought, wildfires, severe winter storms, hazardous materials incidents and potential dam failures.
Hazard mitigation planning helps communities identify vulnerabilities before disasters occur and develop long-term strategies to lessen damage and improve public safety. Maintaining a FEMA-approved plan is also a requirement for local governments seeking certain federal mitigation grants. Jurisdictions included in the plan may be eligible for funding with a federal cost share of up to 75% for approved mitigation projects.
The draft plan is currently available for public review through the project’s online Google Drive. Community members are encouraged to review the document and submit comments before the public review period closes July 5.
Comments may be submitted to project planner Sam Otte at [email protected]. Following the review period, the plan will be submitted to state and federal agencies for approval.
For additional information, contact Karl Dietrich, project manager with JEO Consulting Group, at 402-742-7213 or [email protected].
