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Centre County adopts five-year hazard mitigation plan to preserve federal funding eligibility
Summary
The Board adopted Resolution No. 8 of 2025 to adopt an updated hazard mitigation plan required by federal law for FEMA funding eligibility; staff highlighted new hazards including cyberterrorism and encouraged municipal adoptions to maintain eligibility for disaster assistance.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution No. 8 of 2025, approving an updated hazard mitigation plan required for eligibility for federal disaster assistance and mitigation grants.
Planning staff presented the plan and said the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, together with the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, requires FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans for jurisdictions to be eligible for pre- and post-disaster mitigation assistance. Liz, a planning staff member presenting the item, told the commissioners the plan inventories 27 natural and manmade hazards, rates their location and extent, and assesses vulnerabilities for Centre County municipalities. She said one of the newer hazards addressed is cyberterrorism and noted the plan’s influence on local land-use and critical facility siting.
During discussion, the chair reported a PEMA forecast of up to 3 inches of rain that afternoon and evening and urged residents in low-lying areas to take precautions. Commissioners and staff recalled the October 2016 flooding that caused large rescues, evacuations and infrastructure damage in Milesburg and other communities; speakers credited local emergency responders and county coordination for managing those events and noted the plan helps maintain access to federal assistance for major incidents. Liz reminded municipalities they must adopt the county plan as well to preserve their own disaster funding eligibility.
The board moved and seconded adoption of Resolution No. 8 of 2025; by voice vote the motion carried. Commissioners said the plan must be updated on a five-year cycle and that adopting it preserves both preparedness planning and federal funding pathways for future disasters.
The plan’s adoption does not itself obligate county funds for specific mitigation projects; it establishes a FEMA‑approved framework that enables the county and its municipalities to apply for mitigation grants and disaster assistance according to priorities in the plan.
