Muskegon County staff say hazard mitigation plan finalized; board to consider adoption next month

Muskegon County staff told the Board of Commissioners on Thursday that the county—s Hazard Mitigation Plan has been finalized and has received state and federal approval, and that the board will consider formal adoption next month.

A county staff member identified only as Renee said the county circulated a frequently asked questions packet about the mitigation plan to townships and cities in April and has received seven responses so far. "We have 7 responses now," Renee said during the meeting.

The staff member told commissioners the packet is intended to help municipal officials explain the plan at township and city meetings. "Next month, this will be on our agenda for our county board to approve," the staff member said. The board discussed plans to follow up with municipalities that have not yet adopted the document.

Commissioners did not take a final vote on the Hazard Mitigation Plan at the meeting; the staff presentation and the circulation of the FAQ packet were described as preparatory steps. No specific implementation actions, funding commitments or effective dates were approved at the session.

The county did not identify in the meeting transcript which federal agency granted approval; the staff member said only that the plan had been finalized and approved at state and federal levels. The transcript shows the county plans to begin outreach to municipalities and townships that have not yet adopted the document after the county board acts on it.

The board is scheduled to consider the plan at its next regular meeting; staff said they will continue municipal outreach ahead of that vote.