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Ross County emergency manager: REMPG cycle shortened, hazard mitigation plan open for public comment
Summary
Mark reported the REMPG federal grant cycle has been shortened and 2025 funds remain unannounced; the county posted its hazard mitigation plan for a 15-day public review and completed Code Red training. Ohio EMA approved the hazardous materials plan and forwarded it to the state EPA.
Ross County’s emergency management office warned commissioners this week that federal grant cycles have shifted, tightening timelines for project completion.
Mark told the commission the REMPG grant cycle was shortened by one year and the county has exhausted its 2024 funds while 2025 funding has not been announced. "Once that's announced, we only have until June thirtieth of 2026 for that," he said, urging staff to be ready to move quickly on identified projects.
The county also posted its hazard mitigation plan for public review and comment for 15 days, with stakeholders and the public notified through traditional and social media. Mark said the county did a Code Red refresher and coordinated mapping with the National Weather Service in Wilmington to ensure the mass-notification system performs during winter emergencies: "We're only gonna use it for severe emergencies. We don't wanna be that little boy who cried wolf," he said.
He added that Ohio EMA approved the county’s hazardous materials plan and forwarded it to the state EPA. Separately, the county received notice that Nutrien Ag in Frankfort has permanently ceased regulated operations at one of its tier facilities.
Why it matters: Shorter federal grant cycles reduce the county’s window to obligate funds, increasing the urgency for project completion and coordination. The public-comment period on the hazard mitigation plan is a required transparency step ahead of FEMA/state approvals.
Next steps: County staff will monitor federal funding announcements, prioritize eligible projects, and brief the commission when grant application or implementation deadlines approach.
