Tunbridge selectboard adopts updated local hazard mitigation plan

The Tunbridge selectboard unanimously adopted the town's updated local hazard mitigation and emergency plan and designated a selectboard member to sign the document for submission to Vermont Emergency Management.

Speaker 3 opened the discussion by describing the plan as the town's required filing with state emergency management and FEMA, saying it contains contact lists, shelter information and continuity steps. "It plays a role in the amount of money we get from FEMA. It's a required component," the presenter said. Board members asked procedural questions about confidential elements and storage; the presenter confirmed local copies will remain restricted and that state emergency management will retain an archive copy.

Speaker 6 moved to adopt the plan and Speaker 10 seconded. After a brief roll call of assent, the chair declared the motion unanimous and Speaker 4 (Gary) agreed to sign the adoption. Board members stressed the plan does not replace operational agreements but formalizes the town's unified command approach for multiagency incidents.

The vote completes the board's annual certification step; Vermont Emergency Management will review the submission within the 45-day window noted during the meeting and may return suggested edits. The plan itself expires at the end of June of the current cycle, and adoption enables the town to maintain eligibility for certain mitigation and disaster-preparedness funding.