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Adoption of Resolution to Adopt the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan, as Required by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Acts and Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 201, in Order to Remain Eligible for State and Federal Disaster Funding
Department
City Manager's Office (CMO)
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council adopt the attached resolution to adopt the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Discussion
The 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan is designed to function as a roadmap for the coordination and execution of hazard mitigation policies and initiatives for incorporated and unincorporated communities within Montgomery County. It describes the characteristics of hazards which threaten the community, as well as mitigation goals, strategies, and associated actions to aid jurisdictions in reducing risks and minimizing damages by taking proactive steps before disaster strikes. City staff from multiple City Departments participated with the County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) in development of the plan. To fulfill Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements, the Plan must be updated at least every five years. The Montgomery County Council acted to adopt this plan on June 25, 2024.
Staff recommends that the Mayor & Council adopt the Resolution (Attachment A) so that the City remains eligible for state and federal disaster funding. The resolution adopts the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan, as required by federal law to be eligible for upcoming federal and state emergency relief funding. Mayor & Council adoption of the Plan is required. Federal funding contingent upon Mayor and Council approval includes Hazard Mitigation Grants and respective subcomponents, including BRIC, FMA, HMGP, HMGP Post Fire, and Congressionally Directed Spending Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), in addition to the State Revolving/Resiliency Loans. The City government and residents would also be eligible to receive Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) upon federal (FEMA), County, and City approval of the Plan.
A representative from the OEMHS will be available to answer any questions that the Mayor and Council may have.
The full 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan is linked here: <https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/Resources/Files/hazard/2024-Montgomery-County-MD-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan.pdf>
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council adopted the 2018 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan by resolution on August 22, 2019, as required to remain eligible for state and federal disaster relief funding.
Fiscal Impact
The adoption of the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan allows the City to remain eligible for disaster related funding. This includes Congressionally directed spending managed by FEMA under which the City has several pending projects. Failure to adopt the plan could jeopardize current and future funding opportunities for hazard mitigation projects.
Next Steps
Following adoption of the plan by the Mayor and Council, the Montgomery County OEMHS will coordinate with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and FEMA to recognize the adoption of the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan.