The White County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, outlining projects and activities to reduce damages caused by severe weather and other natural hazards, will be available for public review and comment starting Monday, August 26. An open-house style public forum will be held at the at Floral Hall, White County Fairgrounds in Carmi, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 26. Individuals can come and review the Plan at any time during the forum. Those unable to attend can still review the Plan and provide comments without participating in the public forum.
The Plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available for review at the White County Clerk’s Office (323 E Main St., Carmi) and on the County website. The comment period will remain open through September 10. Public comments received will be used to make any revisions needed before the Plan is submitted to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The White County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee has been conducting working meetings open to the public since July 2023. The Committee prepared the Plan with technical assistance from state and federal agencies as well as a consultant specializing in emergency management planning.
The municipalities Carmi, Crossville, Enfield, Grayville, and Norris City have participated in the planning process. Other participating jurisdictions include Carmi Township, Carmi-White County CUSD #5, Enfield Fire Protection District, Heralds Prairie Township, and Norris City-Omaha-Enfield CUSD #3.
“This Plan describes how the County and the participating jurisdictions have been impacted by severe weather and other hazards and identifies specific mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce damages to people and property before events occur,” explained Jim Bolin, White County Emergency Management Agency Director.
