Coconino County approves 100K for multi jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan

Coconino County is taking significant steps to enhance its emergency management capabilities following a recent Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8, 2025. The board approved a crucial contract with Emergency Management Partners LLC to develop a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, a strategic move aimed at improving community safety and preparedness.

The approved contract, which amounts to $100,000 funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, will facilitate the creation of a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan required by FEMA every five years. This plan will assess the county's top hazards and outline strategies to mitigate risks, ensuring that local municipalities, including Flagstaff, Williams, and Page, are well-prepared for emergencies.

Supervisor Fowler highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting the positive feedback from the city of Page regarding the county's support in developing their emergency management plan. The updated plan will also include input from Northern Arizona University and the city of Sedona, recognizing their unique challenges and contributions to the county's safety efforts.

The process of updating the hazard mitigation plan is expected to take approximately 16 months, with the goal of completing it by the spring of 2026. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the county's emergency response framework but also fosters partnerships among various jurisdictions, enhancing overall community resilience.

As Coconino County moves forward with this initiative, residents can anticipate improved safety measures and a more robust emergency management strategy that addresses the specific needs of their communities.