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Radford adopts regional hazard mitigation plan to compete for FEMA funding
Summary
Radford City Council voted to adopt a regional hazard mitigation plan developed with the New River Valley Regional Commission and state/federal partners; the plan ranks flooding, severe winter weather and high winds as top hazards and makes the city eligible for FEMA mitigation grants.
Radford City Council unanimously adopted a regional hazard mitigation plan after a presentation by Christy Strait of the New River Valley Regional Commission.
Strait said the 24‑month planning process involved 13 localities and partnerships with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and FEMA. The plan ranks Radford’s highest hazards as severe winter weather (including ice storms), high winds and flooding, and expands consideration of vulnerable populations’ resiliency needs.
"The plan itself is the project list — and that's what makes you eligible for FEMA's mitigation funding," Strait said, noting strong community engagement during development and about 900 survey responses that helped prioritize hazards and actions.
Council members moved to adopt the plan, which they said will strengthen the city's ability to compete for mitigation grants and to update priorities annually. Following motion, a voice vote recorded ayes and the resolution passed.
What it means: Adoption makes identified mitigation projects eligible when Radford applies for state or federal mitigation funds. Council members described the plan as a tool to reduce repetitive flood damage and other hazard impacts and asked staff to continue working with regional partners on project implementation and annual updates.
Next steps: Projects listed in the plan will compete for available funding; staff and regional partners will assist with applications and implementation planning.
