Countywide Survey- Natural Hazard Mitigation
Public Comment and Survey link at the bottom of this post. Please take the 5-10 minutes to complete the survey, so we can see what concerns residents of Yamhill County.
Survey
Here is the active survey link: https://bit.ly/2Nwqae7
Yamhill County, along with the cities within the county, are updating the Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation plan (NHMP). As such, we are seeking public comment and/or opinion on what natural hazards are the most concerning. Please take a few minutes and complete the survey linked at the bottom of the page. The Survey will be available from August 23 through September 20, 2019. Data from the survey will be included in the updated plan and gives us a better understanding of desired outreach strategies.
Background
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that counties and cities update their NHMP every five (5) years to be eligible for Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds (44 CFR 201). Yamhill County last updated its FEMA compliant Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan on November 5 of 2014, and thus must have a FEMA compliant NHMP approved by FEMA and adopted locally by November 4 of 2019 to remain eligible for Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding. Having an updated NHMP will allow Yamhill County to continue its efforts to reduce risks to hazards through proactive mitigation planning, projects and policy.
Project
The purpose of this project is to (1) update the existing Yamhill County NHMP, (2) improve the risk assessment section through updating the county and city hazards and vulnerabilities, and (3) streamline the plan for better usability where possible. When implemented, the benefits of an updated NHMP include reduced loss of life and property and decreased long-term economic losses due to reduced recovery and reconstruction costs. By updating the NHMP, Yamhill County will not only remain eligible for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds but will also be a more secure place for industry, citizens, business, and beyond through focused attention on local mitigation actions and investments.
Partnership
One of the most important aspects of creating a countywide Natural Hazards Mitigation Update is receiving and interpreting data from the local municipalities to accurately represent the unique needs and intricacies of each city. The 2019 Yamhill County NHMP will work closely with the cities to address vulnerable populations, critical communities, public health, geologic risks, climate-specific challenges, critical facilities, and other highly vulnerable entities. This will be an ongoing effort throughout the NHMP update process that will involve multiple community workshops, outreach efforts, and city-specific data analysis.
Timeline
Kick- off Meeting July 17, 2019
Vulnerability Assessment and Action Item Update – August 21, 2019
Action Prioritization and Implementation and Maintenance – September 23, 2019
Draft Plan for Public Review – End of September/early October
Final Plan Submitted to FEMA for Review – Mid- to late October/November
