Willow Springs board adopts county hazard-mitigation update to preserve FEMA eligibility

The Willow Springs Village Board unanimously adopted Resolution R-04 to accept the county’s 2024 multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation annex, the final step in the village’s participation in the countywide hazard-mitigation planning process.

The board’s presenter explained the plan is intended to identify and reduce risks from natural hazards — including flooding, tornadoes and extreme temperatures — and said continued participation keeps the village eligible for FEMA and other state and federal assistance. "Our participation in this process is... to help us identify and minimize risks of natural factors to our residents and our property," the presenter said.

Trustees moved, seconded and voted on the resolution with no recorded opposition. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote with trustees answering in the affirmative; the chair declared the resolution approved.

Why it matters: Adopting the county hazard-mitigation annex is a routine but important step that preserves eligibility for federal mitigation grants and assistance, and it updates local planning to reflect current threats and mitigation actions. The resolution covers the village’s commitment to the countywide plan and to completing required steps as part of the county’s 5-year update.

Implementation: The resolution is procedural; the administrator and emergency-management staff will apply the updated annex to local planning and pursue eligible mitigation funding opportunities under the county program.