Emergency management report: county expects a $30,000 hazard-mitigation reimbursement and is pursuing $3.1 million for radio infrastructure

A committee member read Christina’s emergency management report, noting several grant- and program-related developments, training activities, and outreach efforts. The county expects about $30,000 in reimbursement tied to the hazard mitigation plan, and staff have submitted an EPC/EMPG pre-application.

The report said the hazard mitigation plan had county approval and that FEMA and WHEM required a resolution; that resolution was approved last week and the county expects reimbursement of roughly $30,000. The presentation also said that Homeland Security had previously withheld certain funds but that Ashland County has received those funds following outreach and legal steps by the county.

Christina’s work included public outreach workshops (power-loss preparedness, home fire prevention, CPR training, wildfire preparedness) and emergency-communications support at community events. The report noted trainings and cooperative exercises with regional partners and external agencies.

Notably, the report states the county has received a congressional direct-spending request of $3.1 million for radio infrastructure and that staff are preparing the initial application to pursue that funding. Committee members asked about vendor outreach to improve radio infrastructure and were told the sheriff’s office and Christina are coordinating vendor contacts and potential tower arrangements.

No formal vote on grant acceptance or contracts occurred during the meeting; committee members asked that Christina’s written report be included in the packet.