Mount Vernon council adopts Knox County hazard mitigation plan to preserve federal grant eligibility

Mount Vernon’s council voted to adopt the Knox County multi‑jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), a five‑year strategy officials said is necessary to remain eligible for federal mitigation funding.

Councilman Miller, who led the presentation, said the LHMP focuses on identifying hazards, assessing vulnerabilities and establishing long‑term actions to reduce disaster losses. “It is required to remain eligible for certain federal disaster mitigation grants,” Miller said, urging adoption to ensure the city could apply for reimbursement after a future disaster.

James Deshont of Knox EMA and consultants from Resource Associates described the plan’s development, public outreach and the update process. Deshont noted the plan is not an emergency response document but a strategic tool for preventing or lessening damage from events such as severe storms, utility failures and flooding.

Council discussion focused on local impacts and the need for current data to support mitigation projects in areas such as the Second Ward flood work. Officials emphasized that adoption does not commit the city to immediate spending or federal interventions but enables access to mitigation funds when projects are later prioritized.

The council suspended its rules and adopted resolution 2026‑07 on a recorded vote. The administration said several local jurisdictions and the county had already adopted the plan; one village remained to conclude the countywide package before final state approval steps.

Next steps outlined by staff include using the LHMP to identify candidate mitigation projects during capital planning and coordination with county and township partners when applying for grants.