Public comment wanted on a plan to handle future floods and other disasters in NE Iowa

The "Winneshiek County Hazard Mitigation Plan"--an update to a previous comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan--was led by the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Agency with assistance from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and a countywide Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.

Their process began by identifying the characteristics and potential consequences of hazards, and assessing vulnerabilities of communities and the county. After gaining an understanding of hazard risks, the committee determined what the priorities should be and then looked at possible ways to avoid or minimize the undesired effects, culminating in a list of potential countywide hazard mitigation actions. The information on each community's hazard risks and response capabilities has been incorporated into the updated plan.

The public is invited to attend a meeting from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30th, at the Fort Atkinson Community Center to provide feedback on the plan in in person.  Beginning on January 23rd, a draft of the plan will be available for review and comment on the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission website, http://uerpc.org/comprehensive-planning-comments.html. Comments on the plan can be submitted on the website through February 22nd.  Feedback will be incorporated in the plan, after which point the plan will be adopted by local jurisdictions and reviewed and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For additional information on the plan or upcoming meeting, contact Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission's Michelle Barness at 563-382-6171 or mbarness@uerpc.org.