Oregon's Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan Pays Off
By having a FEMA Approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, Oregon will receive increased hazard mitigation grant funding
Release Date: April 4, 2006
Release Number: 1632-002
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SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon is among the first of states to receive the larger 20% hazard mitigation grant allowed under FEMA’s Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan program. The approval of Oregon’s Plan allowed Oregon’s grant to rise from 7.5% to 20%, providing a greater allotment to implement Oregon’s mitigation program.
Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. Hazard mitigation planning is an important aspect of a successful mitigation program.
“In recognition of the importance of planning, a state with an approved Enhanced State Mitigation Plan in effect at the time of disaster declaration will receive additional Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding,” said Lee Champagne, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer. “Oregon’s approved Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan as of March 7, 2006 will enable Oregon to receive 20% share of total costs of the current disaster declaration for mitigation measures.”
Authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the HMGP, administered by the Federalre Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration.
“Hazard mitigation planning is a collaborative process whereby hazards affecting the community are identified, vulnerability to the hazards are assessed, and consensus reached on how to minimize or eliminate the effects of these hazards”, said Abby Kershaw, Oregon State Coordinating Officer.
The goals of Hazard Mitigation are twofold:
- To contribute to the development of a long-term, comprehensive mitigation program by funding measures designed to achieve the goals of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan;
- Assist State and local governments in avoiding or lessening the impact of natural hazards through safer building practices and the improvement of existing structures and supporting infrastructure.
For more information go to www.fema.gov/fima
Last Modified: Thursday, 06-Apr-2006 11:21:07