Emergency management: hazard plan complete; $3.1 million radio upgrade tied to pending federal action
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Summary
Ashland County emergency management reported a completed hazard mitigation plan, outreach activity, and grant activity. Officials said $3.1 million in congressional direct spending for radio infrastructure is approved by Congress but awaits the president's signature; FEMA/EMPG funding timing is uncertain pending federal appropriations.
Ashland County’s emergency management staff told the Public Property and Law Enforcement Committee on Jan. 26 that the county’s hazard mitigation plan has been completed and off‑site plans were submitted to Wisconsin Emergency Management. Christina, the county emergency management staff presenter, said outreach events in Marengo and cooperative work with neighboring Bayfield County are underway, and the office applied for a $50,000 state grant for equipment and training.
Christina said the county reapplied for a congressional direct‑spending item sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin; the bill has passed both houses of Congress and, if signed by the president, the county would receive $3,100,000 to modernize radio infrastructure and replace old tower equipment. "Which will be a huge step in the right direction," Christina said, describing the county’s current radios as "a hot mess" and saying the upgrade would help deputies and EMS personnel.
Committee members pressed staff on federal grant timing. Unidentified Speaker 6 explained that while the House has passed funding that includes FEMA, the Senate may not have the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, creating a risk that FEMA and Department of Homeland Security funding— including EMPG and related programs—could be delayed. "So that EMPG grant, who knows if it's gonna come out for this year," Speaker 6 said, warning of potential timing uncertainty.
Christina said the county expects to receive EMPG funding for the prior year after a court ruling required payment of previously promised funds; applications for 2026 remain on hold until FEMA and federal appropriations are resolved. She also asked staff to provide a short written summary of the presentation for posting online.
The update concluded without a committee vote; next procedural steps are for staff to circulate the written summary and monitor federal appropriations activity that could affect grant timelines.
