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Emergency manager reports Ready, Set, Go statewide push, federal FEMA changes and $4.9M state fire restoration funds
Summary
Sheridan County Emergency Manager said Ready, Set, Go evacuation language is moving toward statewide adoption, federal FEMA restructuring could shift more responsibility to state/local levels, and the state legislature appropriated $4.9 million for Grand Fire restoration projects eligible only to certain local entities.
Sheridan County Emergency Manager Jesse reported to commissioners that the Ready, Set, Go evacuation language used during recent wildfires is being advanced for statewide adoption so counties use consistent evacuation vocabulary.
Jesse said attendees at a recent emergency-management conference supported the approach and that Montana partners are also considering adoption. He also briefed commissioners on discussions in Washington, D.C., where the director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and associations representing emergency managers urged against abolishing FEMA and sought restructuring that would preserve critical federal support. Jesse said potential federal changes could shift more responsibility and work to state and local agencies.
On wildfire recovery, Jesse reported the Wyoming Legislature appropriated $4,900,000 for restoration of the Grand Fire area to support grasses, habitat recovery and prevention work. He said the county itself cannot apply directly for those funds; eligible applicants include local weed-and-pest districts, conservation districts, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and private landowners. Jesse said the funds are intended to aid landowners and entities conducting habitat and erosion restoration, not as a direct county appropriation.
Jesse asked commissioners whether there were questions and noted he would provide additional briefings in later meetings.
