RBC | Rio Blanco County is beginning the process of updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) and would like your input. Please join us at an open house at the Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioner’s Board Room (555 Main St, 3rd Floor, Meeker) on Wednesday, April 24, from 12-2 p.m. This meeting will be held in an open house format, meaning people are able to come and go as allowed by their schedule.
HMPs identify where vulnerabilities to natural disasters such as wildfire, flood, drought, earthquake, winter storm, or dam failure might exist. The plan covers the county as well as participating communities and special districts. It sets goals, establishes mitigation alternatives, and prioritizes projects which may alleviate potential damages to property and provide protection when future disasters occur.
HMPs are a requirement of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Participation in the HMP makes each entity eligible for cost-share grants for a wide variety of projects listed in the plan. HMPs are required to be updated on a five-year cycle.
Rio Blanco County has hired JEO Consulting Group, Inc. and Wright Water Engineers, Inc. to assist with the plan development. This project is funded by a FEMA planning grant. The cost is shared 75% through federal funding and 25% through a local match.
If you would like to participate in the planning process but are unable to attend the open house, there are a number of ways to be involved. These opportunities include visiting the Rio Blanco County website for plan updates and links to surveys throughout the planning process, attending the open house in Rangely this summer, as well as reviewing and providing comments when a draft is available for public review. For more information, please contact Rachel Gates, Rio Blanco County Community Development Planning Director, at [email protected].
Special to the Herald Times
