PRESS RELEASE
Poweshiek County, IA –– The public is encouraged to review and comment on the Poweshiek County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update before it is finalized. The plan includes an updated strategy to reduce damage and losses caused by hazard events. The final draft of the plan will be available online and in hard-copy at select public locations in Poweshiek County from December 2-15, 2015. The purpose is to provide information to the public on the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update as well as gain public input.
Taxpayers pay billions of dollars each year for disaster recovery. Some events are predictable, and
often, damages can be reduced or eliminated. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires
communities to develop an approved local hazard mitigation plan to remain eligible for certain federal
funding.
The Poweshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator, Trisha Rooda, invited representatives
from County departments, the incorporated cities, public school districts, and other mitigation planning
stakeholders to work together to develop this plan update. The planning committee addressed 12
hazards—ranging from extreme heat and severe winter storms to tornadoes and flooding—and
considered the impacts of these events on local communities. Based on the results of an updated risk
assessment of the hazards, committee members updated the strategies for their jurisdictions to reduce
damages caused by the various hazards. The committee consulted with Amec Foster Wheeler,
Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. to assist with the plan update and ensure that the final plan meets
federal regulations.
The planning committee would like input from the public on the updated strategy to lessen impacts of
future disasters on people and property in Poweshiek County. The Plan will also be reviewed by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (IA HSEMD) and FEMA. Public comments will be considered by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and incorporated into the plan, as appropriate.
From, December 2-15, 2015 the final draft plan will be available for your review at the following locations:
Online at: http://poweshiekready.org/
In hard-copy during normal operating hours at Poweshiek County Courthouse, 302 E. Main,
Montezuma, IA
The final plan must be approved by the governing body of each participating jurisdiction, IA HSEMD, and FEMA before becoming official.
For more information on this planning effort, or to provide your comments, please contact Poweshiek
County Emergency Management at 641.623.4357 or ema@poweshiekcosheriff.com.
ATTACHMENTS:
Press Release – Final Public Comments
Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Files:
0 – Executive Summary
1 – Intro and Planning Process
2 – Profile and Capabilities
3 – Risk Assessment
4 – Mitigation Strategy
5 – Plan Maintenance
Appendix A Reference
Appendix B Documentation of Planning Process
Appendix C Completed Deleted Mitigation Actions
Appendix D Resolutions