Monroe County adopts 2025 hazard mitigation plan required by FEMA after brief debate on scope

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 6 adopted the county's draft 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan by a 3-0 vote, a five-year update the county must maintain to remain eligible for federal disaster funding through FEMA.

Emergency Management staff, who presented the plan, told commissioners that the update focuses on natural hazards and includes a range of mitigation practices "some of the things we absolutely have plans to do probably this year," while noting some recommended measures are long-term or aspirational. "This plan is also used to drive grants," the presenter said.

Commissioner Jones raised concerns that the plan did not address the county's growing impervious-surface problem and its role in localized flooding. Emergency Management staff agreed impervious surfaces increase runoff and said the issue can be elevated for further discussion with the county planning and stormwater staff.

Staff described mitigation items ranging from near-term actions, such as a commodity-flow study to map hazardous-material movement on county highways and rail lines, to longer-term options such as elevating Mount Tabor Road at Bean Blossom Creek and hardening fire stations. Staff said the plan intentionally lists a broad set of practices to inform grant applications and local priorities.

The presenter told commissioners the draft had an open public comment period that closed Feb. 11 and that the county could still make changes after the adoption resolution is filed. Commissioners voted to adopt the plan; the record shows the motion carried 3-0.

The plan and the public comment portal are posted on the county website under Emergency Management, staff said. The adoption preserves Monroe County's eligibility to apply for FEMA disaster funds linked to the mitigation plan.