Public Input Wanted for Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Final Workshop to be held Tuesday, May 11^th

Every five (5) years, Whatcom County submits a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) for review and approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of the NHMP is to identify the natural hazards that impact Whatcom County and its jurisdictions, assess each jurisdiction’s vulnerability to those hazards, and formulate mitigation strategies that will lessen the severity of natural disasters by protecting human life and property. FEMA reviews Whatcom County’s plan for accuracy and mitigation measures being considered, underway, or already completed. The updated Whatcom County plan will be submitted in June of 2021.
 
According to Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, “Our Whatcom County hazard mitigation planning will help reduce loss of life and property damage from our natural hazards. Our work locally is strengthened with public involvement and public understanding of the natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that face our community.”
 
The third and final opportunity for public involvement is Tuesday, May 11th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with introductory remarks from Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo. The meeting will be held virtually and pre-registration is required by visiting https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2613562642623687440.
 
If residents are unable to attend but would like to read or comment on the plan, they can make online comments by visiting https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3569/2021-Natural-Hazards-Mitigation-Plan and selecting “Comment on the 2021 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan” at the end of the page.

This process is very important and allows Whatcom County to receive Federal funding for mitigation and pre-disaster projects to lessen the impact of disasters when they do happen.