Winneshiek officials are working on a hazard mitigation plan

Winneshiek County officials on Thursday night will hold one of the final meetings in the development of a new county-wide hazard mitigation plan for Winneshiek County and all the communities within the county.

The Steering Committee for the Winneshiek Multi-Jurisdiction-9 Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Upper Explorerland offices in Decorah.

During last year and early this year, Upper Explorerland and Winneshiek County Emergency Management representatives met with representatives of all the cities in Winneshiek County to complete their particular local hazard and risk assessment planning.
 
In previous county-focused meetings, the County Steering Committee looked at potential hazards that could affect the residents, environment, and the economy of the area. Then each of the hazards identified was rated as to the potential effect by a scoring formula. Among the top rated hazards were flooding, thunderstorms-lightning-high winds-tornados, and hazardous material releases.

Thursday's meeting will be devoted to discussing ways to reduce or possibly totally mitigate a hazard's effects.  There will also be discussion about where available funds are best spent.

This meeting is open to the public and they are encouraged to attend. The public will have the opportunity to review the whole draft plan when completed later this year.  Minutes from all meetings are available on the Upper Explorerland website.