Council approves application for $250,000 natural hazard mitigation grant; asks towns for small match commitments

Summary

The council authorized submission of a renewed natural hazard mitigation grant application (total program $250,000) that requires a total match of $62,500. Staff asked member towns to commit about $2,976.20 each (potentially split over two fiscal years) and will send commitment letters; board approved the submission by motion.

The Northwest Hills Council of Governments voted to submit an application for a reopened natural hazard mitigation grant program totaling $250,000, with a required total match of $62,500. Staff explained the grant supports regional mitigation planning and is required for some DOT and federal funding eligibility; the council’s current plan expires in 2027, staff said.

Staff reported that, at the February meeting, the board agreed to request a per-town match of about $2,976.20; staff said they are examining ways to reduce that request and that the charge to towns could be split across fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to ease budget impacts. The council moved, seconded and approved the application submission and directed staff to send commitment letters to towns.

The motion passed with no recorded opposition; staff said they would follow up with additional documentation and, where possible, revisions to reduce town costs.