County receives new disaster mitigation plan

County receives new disaster mitigation plan

Spears: ‘ We want as much public comment as we can get and that is what this next phase is for’

news@theeveningtimes.com

Crittenden County Emergency Manager Bud Spears presented an overdue hazard mitigation plan to the quorum court and now asked for public comment to move the plan draft toward final state approval.

“The more people that see it and critique it the better,” said Spears.

The new plan moved up lightning and wind to the top of the risk list. Despite the county proximity to the New Madrid fault line, and a long time since the big one in 1811, earthquakes moved down the risk assessment risk. The plan mapped out county emergency response in the event of any natural disaster. A contractor worked up the response plans, funded by a $40,000 grant. Every city except Earle and Turrell participated in the work-up.

“They were made aware like every other city and organization, show up,” said Spears.

“They will still qualify for disaster relief through the state. They will have too go about getting aid a different way.”

Spears opened the 45 day review process. Federal disaster aid requirements mandated the need for the new plan.

“We want as much public comment as we can get and that is what this next phase is for,” said Spears. “After the public comment it will be sent to the state of Arkansas for their review.

They’ll make suggestions for changes. After that revision it goes back to the state and onto FEMA for their review.”

Federal and sate regulations require a revised plan every five years. Producing an updated comprehensive plan was job one for Spears when he came on board three years ago.

“This one is eight years overdue,” said Spears. “Its taken two and one half years to get the grant money and get the draft to this point. “

Spears said the county would save money by beginning the renewed planning process by the fourth year of this study.

“Next time we should just update rather than start from scratch like we did this time.”

To review the plan and make comment contact the county emergency manager at bspears@crittco.com or phone (870) 739-3534. or check the link https://documentcloud. adobe.com/link/ track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3 Ascds%3AUS%3A36aa03f

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By John Rech