Hazard mitigation plan review scheduled for public
Ponca City Now - July 2, 2015 11:48 am
City officials have posted the 2015 Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan Update on the City’s website. The update is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to replace the current Hazard Mitigation Plan which expires next month. In order to qualify for federal disaster assistance, Ponca City must adopt a plan update that has been approved by FEMA.
To view the plan, go to www.poncacityok.gov and look under What’s Happening . Open the announcement about the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and click on the link at the end of the announcement. Paper copies of the draft plan update can be viewed at the Development Services Department (City Hall 1st Floor – east wing) or the Ponca City Library. Questions and/or comments regarding the plan can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by phone to 767-0383.
Additionally, written comments can be mailed to Ponca City Development Services Department P.O. Box 1450, Ponca City, OK 74602-1450.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is used by the City to qualify for federal grants to mitigate exposure to natural hazards. The goal of hazard mitigation is to reduce the potential for personal injury or property damage when disasters strike.
The plan evaluates the City and School District’s exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, wildfires, etc. and includes a risk assessment to prioritize such hazards. The plan also includes proposed actions to reduce vulnerability. A professional consulting firm (Brake & Associates, LLC) has been hired to complete the update.
The highlights of the plan update will be presented at a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in the City Commission Chamber on the second floor of City Hall, 516 E. Grand Ave. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will hold a brief meeting from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the public meeting from 6 to 7 pm.
All citizens are invited to attend. The City of Ponca City encourages participation from all its citizens served by the City and/or School District. If participation is impaired by a disability or language barrier, please notify the City Clerk’s Office, 516 E. Grand Ave, 767-0304, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting so that necessary arrangements can be made.
