Harwich's FEMA-certified hazard mitigation plan highlights culverts, coastal actions and mental-health response

Commissioners received a brief but detailed presentation on Harwich's recently FEMA-certified local hazard mitigation plan and the benefits that certification brings for accessing mitigation funding.

Martha Hevener, who led the Harwich project for the Cape Cod Commission, told the board that "Harwich's hazard mitigation plan was just, certified by FEMA," and that FEMA-certified plans unlock eligibility for federal mitigation grants. She outlined categories of mitigation actions in the plan: natural-systems protection (beach erosion mapping and coastal flooding adaptations at North Road), structure and infrastructure projects (culvert replacements, stormwater and wastewater work, Sacotucket Harbor projects) and education and awareness measures.

Hevener spotlighted one unusual mitigation action: a mental-health response plan to address climate-related stress and community well-being, which Harwich proposed as part of the FEMA plan. She also said Harwich had strong public outreach during plan development and that public survey response rates were among the highest on the Cape.

Chair Forrest and other commissioners praised the town and the Commission staff for completing the plan and noted the county can help spread lessons and support implementation across other towns seeking FEMA funding.