Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

1. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Primer: Why and How to Update the LHMP

2. What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan? The purpose of hazard mitigation is to reduce potential losses from future disasters. The intent of mitigation planning, therefore, is to maintain a process that leads to hazard mitigation actions. Mitigation plans identify the natural hazards that impact communities, identify actions to reduce losses from those hazards, and establish a coordinated process to implement the plan. (44 CFR §201.1(b)) We already have a LHMP. Why do we need an update?

3. “Submission of a Local Mitigation Plan for FEMA review and approval is not the end state, but is the beginning of implementing hazard mitigation action.” Did you accomplish what you committed to do in your most recent plan (mitigation actions)? - If so, what are your next steps? - If not, what happened? Did you effectively implement your plan? Think about who participated in the process. Who would you add to that list?

4. 44 CFR §201.6(d)(3): the fine print “A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and resubmit it for approval within five (5) years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.” The Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide: Element D, Plan Updates: • Each required Element for Local Mitigation Plans must be met with current information. For example, the planning process and public participation that were completed in the previous planning cycle will not meet the requirements for the planning process in the five-year update. Likewise, if the plan update does not include major disaster declarations that occurred since the previous plan was written, FEMA will not approve the plan update. Although several sub-elements (A1, B2 and C6) have explicit guidance for plan updates, all sub-elements must be met with current informationfor FEMA approval of a plan update. • Element D identifies the plan update requirements to “reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities”(44 CFR §201.6(d)(3)).

5. Items to consider for an update: • The State of Vermont Hazard Mitigation Plan update was recently adopted. Are there references to the State Plan that need to be updated? Is there new information in the State Plan that we need to consider for our plan? • FEMA requires plans be updated every 5 years: what has changed during that time? • Since your plan was adopted, what hazards have tested your plan? • Disasters may have changed the landscape • Priorities may have changed • Maps and tables need to updated What is the value of a 5 year old road map in an emergency? It may still be worth something – if the information you need hasn’t changed. If it did change, then what? Has your mapping changed? Add it to the plan and update those priorities!

6. Benefits of Having A Plan An All-Hazards Plan will organize & prioritize our town’s actions to reduce losses from future disasters A LHMP is required for access to funding programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation • Buyouts: For homes located in the Special Hazard Flood Area, over the course of a 30-year mortgage, there is a 1 in 4 chance of flood damage! • Infrastructure: Drainage projects and floodproofing • Education & Outreach Initiatives A LHMP will be required for a full 12.5% State match for FEMA Public Assistance after the ERAF rule takes effect on October 24th, 2014.

7. Public Assistance and ERAF VT Emergency Response and Assistance Fund is a match for federal fund disaster relief for repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure that is funded under FEMA Public Assistance. Currently, the State provides 12.5% of the total project cost (or what is considered 50% of the local match) and will continue to do so until October 24, 2014. After that date, towns will only receive 7.5% of the total project cost (or what is considered 30% of the local match, UNLESS the town does the following: • Adopts town road and bridge standards consistent with or exceeding the most current version of the VTrans Handbook for Local Officials • Adopts a flood hazard bylaw to ensure enrollment and participation in NFIP • Is approved or in the process of securing final approval by FEMA of the LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN • Adopts a local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (this used to be referred to as the BEOP) Then, the town would retain the 12.5%! Further, with the adoption of a Fluvial Erosion Hazard bylaw that meets or exceeds the VT ANR FEH model regulation & scoping guidelines would bring that percentage to 17.5%.

8. New ERAF Rule: $$ Show Me The Money $$ For a $500,000 project approved for FEMA Public Assistance: Total Project Cost $500,000 FEMA Share $375,000 Town Share (without ERAF) $125,000 Town Share (with ERAF today) $ 75,000 October 2014: Town Share (State pays 7.5%) $ 87,500 (without 4 criterion) Town Share (State pays 12.5%) $ 75,000 (with 4 criterion) Town Share (State pays 17.5%) $ 37,500 (with 4 criterion + ANR FEH bylaw)

9. Resources November 2013 Vermont State Hazard Mitigation Plan New! FEMA Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (Last update: October 2011) DEMHS Local Mitigation Planning Resources Library New! • All available at: http://vem.vermont.gov/mitigation