County Board approves FEMA project policy and new cyber liability insurance plan

Humboldt County's Board of Supervisors made significant strides in disaster management and cybersecurity during their recent meeting on July 7, 2025. The board approved a crucial policy related to FEMA projects, marking a key step toward finalizing the closeout of the 2019 FEMA project. This decision is expected to streamline the process and ensure compliance with the necessary guidelines as the county works to wrap up the project by the July 14 deadline.

The board discussed the importance of adhering to the scope of work outlined in the FEMA guidelines, which includes various repairs made to local ditches following the 2019 disaster. The approval of the policy is seen as a necessary measure to confirm that all procedures have been followed correctly, allowing the county to move forward with confidence.

In addition to disaster management, the board also addressed updates to their cybersecurity insurance policy. The current coverage of $250,000 was deemed insufficient, prompting a recommendation to increase it to $1 million. This enhanced coverage will provide better protection against potential cyber threats, including data breaches and cyber extortion. The board recognized the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape and agreed that the additional coverage would safeguard the county's operations and constituents.

The discussions highlighted the board's commitment to ensuring both disaster preparedness and cybersecurity resilience, reflecting a proactive approach to managing risks that could impact the community. As the county moves forward with these initiatives, residents can expect improved safety measures and enhanced protection of their personal information.