Region 20 emergency management briefs commissioners, NRAN MOU approved; North Platte agreement tabled
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Summary
Director Brandon Myers presented the quarterly emergency management report covering grant reimbursements, hazard mitigation planning, training and recent severe-weather response. Commissioners approved an updated NRAN MOU and tabled a North Platte emergency-management agreement for further edits.
Brandon Myers, director for Region 20/51 Emergency Management, gave the county a quarterly update on Sept. 8 that covered grant activity, training, mutual-aid partnerships and recent severe-weather responses.
Myers said the office submitted a 2024 EMPG fourth-quarter request for $6,735.92 and would pass portions of those funds to Dundee and Hitchcock counties. He reported reimbursements from several HAZMAT and SHSP grants this quarter totaling more than $94,000 and said two hazard-mitigation grant projects remain in the FEMA approval pipeline for member counties. Myers also said all three counties’ hazard mitigation plans are up to date and a Dundee County hazard mitigation grant application has been submitted to NEMA.
On training and outreach, Myers described CERT-team activity, psychological first-aid train-the-trainer sessions, and multiple EMS and fire trainings hosted or supported by the regional office. He noted the office staffed the mobile command unit and monitored weather during Nebraska Land Days events and provided support during several severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the area, including events characterized as EF-3 in the Wellfleet/Dickens area and in western Hitchcock County.
Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (Resolution No. 2025-21) confirming Lincoln County’s partnership in the Nebraska Regional Interoperability Network (NRAN); Myers said the MOU does not obligate the county to contribute funds but confirms equipment placement responsibilities and that the NRAN board will take responsibility for equipment service.
The board discussed an emergency-management agreement with the City of North Platte; county and city attorneys have outstanding edits (including language about siren/tornado responsibilities and where the emergency management director is housed). The commissioners agreed to table that agreement until the draft incorporates the attorney-recommended changes.
Why this matters The emergency management office oversees regional planning, grant administration and coordination with local agencies on hazard mitigation and incident response. The NRAN MOU establishes interoperability participation that supports radio and communications continuity across jurisdictions.
Ending Myers said fall will be busy due to drying vegetation and increased fire risk; commissioners thanked him and urged continued public messaging on fire safety.
