Beltrami County is seeking public input as it updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), which aims to address and reduce risks from natural hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, windstorms, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfire, and drought. The plan is being updated in partnership with U-Spatial at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
The HMP covers all cities and townships within Beltrami County and includes participation from school districts, watershed districts, local agencies, organizations, and businesses. A planning team composed of county department representatives, local municipalities, and other stakeholders will lead the update process. Once completed, the plan will be submitted for approval to the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Christopher Muller, Beltrami County Emergency Management Director, stated: “Hazard mitigation planning is a central part of our emergency management program. Understanding the natural hazards that can cause serious impact to our communities and taking action to reduce or eliminate the impact of future disasters makes us more resilient. Hazard mitigation helps us to break the cycle of damage and repair caused by things like flooding, ice storms, and severe wind events that can damage property, stress economies, and threaten life safety in our county.”
Examples of hazard mitigation activities include public outreach on severe weather preparedness; improving stormwater management; removing buildings from flood-prone areas; increasing defensible space around homes at risk for wildfire; constructing tornado safe rooms in vulnerable locations such as mobile home parks; and burying overhead powerlines susceptible to failure during snow or windstorms. Some of these measures may qualify for future FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant funding.
As part of updating the plan—and in accordance with federal requirements—public feedback is both important and required. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences with natural hazards affecting their communities; identify populations or assets they believe are especially vulnerable; express concerns; and suggest actions that could help reduce future damages.
Feedback can be provided by contacting Beltrami County Emergency Management directly or through an online survey. Additional opportunities for public comment will be offered throughout the planning process before submission to state authorities. Future news releases will inform residents about upcoming review periods.
Federal law mandates counties update their hazard mitigation plans every five years in order to remain eligible for FEMA’s grant programs supporting disaster resilience.
For more information or to provide input:
Christopher Muller
Beltrami County Emergency Management Director
Phone: 218-333-8386
Email: chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us
