MANSFIELD — Richland County’s hazard mitigation plan is due for an update.
Last refreshed in 2021, the county’s current plan is set to expire in June 2026 and must be updated every five years, according to Richland County EMA Director Rebecca Owens.
The agency is currently in the process of applying for a grant in collaboration with the Ohio EMA, who will submit the consolidated ask to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.
The BRIC program “supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Owens said the Richland County EMA is requesting $40,000 in grant funding, of which $30,000 would be federal dollars.
The remaining $10,000 would be in-kind contributions locally that would come from various meetings the agency will have once the planning process begins, she said.
What is a hazard mitigation plan?
Owens said the process of updating the county’s hazard mitigation plan takes about a year.
“It (hazard mitigation plans) basically takes a look at any potential hazards that may impact the county at any point in time,” she said.
Potential hazards include natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding and winter storms, as well as hazardous incidents, such as the release of dangerous substances that pose a threat to the community.
“It will be a very lengthy planning process,” the director said.
Next steps
Owens said the agency plans to work through plan updates with Norwalk-based Resource Solutions Associates.
RSA is an emergency management consulting and planning services provider, specializing in “hazard mitigation planning, hazard and risk assessment, transportation and commodity studies and hazardous materials response plans,” according to its website.
The provider also assists with emergency operations plans for counties, municipalities and private organizations.
Owens said the agency would be working with Sandy Waggoner-Hovest, RSA president and lead consultant, who the county has worked with previously.
County commissioners Tuesday authorized the agency’s application for BRIC grant funding, as well as a letter of commitment and cost-share initiative worksheet necessary for the Ohio EMA to move forward.
Commissioner Darrell Banks said he has previously served on a committee with Waggoner-Hovest.
“She (Waggoner-Hovest) does a good job,” Banks said.
In other action Tuesday, commissioners also approved the agency’s 2025 booth rental contract for the upcoming Richland County Fair.