Commissioners authorize update to county multi‑hazard mitigation plan under FEMA grant

Davis County commissioners voted Sept. 23 to accept a contract to update the county’s multi‑hazard mitigation plan, a document FEMA requires counties to maintain and update at regular intervals to remain eligible for certain disaster assistance. County emergency management staff said the plan runs for five years and the State applied for FEMA grant funding to pay a contractor; the IU POLIS Center has prepared Davis County’s past two plans and agreed to perform the current update under the FEMA award. The county will initially pay costs and then receive reimbursement under the grant. "FEMA requires every county to have a multi hazard mitigation plan ... It is 4 or 5 years. It's 4, exists for 5 years and then is updated," Scott Myers said. County staff added that having an up‑to‑date mitigation plan is a prerequisite to receive assistance through FEMA or the State after a disaster. Commissioner Keith moved to approve the contract; Commissioner Cook seconded and the board voted 3–0 to authorize the update. Staff noted FEMA program rules are expected to change soon but said the county is required to complete the update now under current rules.