The Bluff City Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted Resolution 2025-016 formally adopting the Sullivan County multi-hazard mitigation plan and authorizing submission of the signed resolution to county and state officials for FEMA review.

Jim Beam, introduced to the board as the Sullivan County hazard-mitigation presenter, outlined the plan’s purpose and benefits: the five-year plan inventories local natural hazards, lists projects cities and the county can nominate for funding, and is a prerequisite for many types of FEMA mitigation and public-assistance grants. “Every five years, jurisdictions have to create a hazard mitigation plan,” Beam said. He explained that adopting the plan makes the towns eligible to apply for grants that are typically reimbursed at 75% federal participation, sometimes with state matching, and that the plan’s projects could reduce future flood and storm damage.

The resolution (2025-016) sent by staff to the board mirrors the county’s prior 2020 resolution, Beam said, and county commissioners have already adopted the plan. The board’s adoption completes the local signoffs required before the state and FEMA issue final approval, Beam added.

Alderwoman Payne moved to approve the resolution; Vice Mayor Adams seconded. The board approved the resolution on a voice/roll-call vote and city staff will forward the signed document to county and state officials for distribution to FEMA.