Projects and activities to prevent injuries and fatalities while maintaining vital services for White County residents will be the main topic of discussion at the White County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meeting on Monday, May 6, 6 p.m., at the Floral Hall, White County Fairgrounds, Carmi.
The Committee began work in July 2023 to update the County’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This Plan details the past severe weather events that have impacted the County and identifies mitigation projects and activities that can be taken before a severe weather event occurs to protect residents and critical services and infrastructure.
“There has been at least $54 million in verified property and crop damages, five fatalities, and 24 injuries caused by severe weather events in the County,” stated Jim Bolin, White County Emergency Management Agency Director. “Obtaining FEMA’s approval of our Plan will make all of the participants eligible to receive federal grant money for mitigation projects and activities.”
Projects identified by Committee members at this meeting will become part of the Plan. While the Committee has provided input on portions of the Plan, the entire Plan will be presented for public review and comment before it is submitted to the state and federal government for approval.
“A public forum will be conducted later this summer for interested persons to review the Plan and ask questions of Committee Members. A two-week public comment period will be held following the public forum to accommodate interested persons who are unable to attend. We want to make sure that anybody who is interested has an opportunity to review and comment on the draft Plan,” added Bolin.
Interested persons can submit questions and comments to the Committee members or directly to the White County EMA Office.
