Homeland Security to review mitigation plan

This week, the draft Region 6 multi-hazard disaster mitigation plan is being reviewed at the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. A public comment period on the draft was conducted Aug. 30-Sept. 7.

County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon said there was very little comment, though Jeff Brislawn, whose firm has been helping with the draft, said that is typical.

There were a few minor technicalities, Gordon said, but the Hot Springs County Mitigation Plan Committee handled those. There were no negative comments, he added, and no reason for people to be upset.

The plan assesses risks posed by nature and man, identifies ways to reduce risks and allows the counties in the Region to be eligible for mitigation grant funding. It is the result of months of planning, workshops and public input.

Gordon emphasized the plan does not state what will be done. Rather, it lays out the threats and potential problems, and looks at what can be done. It recognizes the unique situations here in the county.

Barring any changes needed in the Homeland Security review, the draft plan will then be sent on to FEMA for their review, which typically takes about 45 days.

Gordon said Melinda Gibson with the Homeland Security Office has worked with several mitigation plans, and is making sure the local plan is set to go and includes items FEMA wants to see.

If FEMA does not require any further changes, the plan will be returned for adoption by the county commissioners and three municipalities.

Receipt of the plan from FEMA is expected in late November of early December. After adoption of the plan, FEMA will give it final approval.

Review of the plan is officially required every five years, though Gordon has no problem having an annual meeting to look at what has been done, or any changes, additions or deletions to make.