Christian County gives intent to adopt Hazard Mitigation Plan to preserve FEMA grant eligibility

Christian County commissioners voted July 16 to give intent to adopt the county Hazard Mitigation Plan after a presentation by EMA Director Phil Amtower and Assistant Director Jamie Orlando. Orlando told the commission that FEMA requires formal adoption, or a recorded intent to adopt, before July 17 to preserve eligibility for mitigation grants.

Eastern Commissioner Bradley A. Jackson moved to give intent to adopt the plan and Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris seconded; the motion carried with Jackson and Morris voting aye and Western Commissioner Johnny Williams absent. The minutes record the county’s action as ‘‘intent to adopt’’ rather than final formal adoption on the record.

The minutes do not include the text of the plan or details about specific projects or grant amounts under consideration. EMA staff identified the July 17 deadline as the reason the county needed to act at this meeting; the county’s minutes indicate follow-up will be required to finalize formal adoption and to pursue FEMA mitigation funding.