Columbus County adopts regional Hazard Mitigation Plan to preserve FEMA funding

Emergency Services Director Kay Stephens asked the Columbus County Board of Commissioners to adopt the Bladen–Columbus–Robeson Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, telling the board, “FEMA requires the Hazard Mitigation Plan to be updated on a regular basis in order for counties to remain eligible for federal mitigation funding and public assistance.” The board unanimously approved the plan during its May 4 meeting.

Stephens said the regional plan expands the county’s hazard inventory to include cybersecurity, excessive heat and infectious disease and lists 25 mitigation actions for Columbus County. The plan identifies vulnerable infrastructure and populations and outlines projects such as acquisition and elevation of structures, wet or dry floodproofing, redundant power for critical facilities and wind retrofits.

County Manager Eddie Madden explained the regional approach allowed the state to secure grant funding and to contract with consultants AECOM, Insight Planning and Development, and ESP Associates to assist with the plan. Stephens told commissioners that 24 of the county’s mitigation actions were retained from the prior plan and one new county-level action was added to pursue grant funding under current Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance guidance.

Commissioner Lavern Coleman moved to adopt the regional plan; Commissioner Giles E. Byrd seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The adoption keeps Columbus County eligible to apply for federal mitigation and public assistance funds tied to an approved mitigation plan.

The county will continue coordinating with Bladen and Robeson counties; Stephens said Bladen has already approved the plan and Robeson was working through its process with an expected decision by June.