The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments (RCOG) is hosting the first gathering in a series of meetings focusing on Atchison County’s Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The kickoff meeting will be held February 26, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., at the University of Missouri Extension/Velma Houts Building, 201 E. U.S. Highway 136, Rock Port, Missouri. All interested citizens and public officials of Atchison County are invited to attend.

Atchison County is susceptible to many types of natural hazards. Tornadoes, winter storms, and flooding have shaped the landscape, history, and economy of the county. Hazard mitigation planning is the process of developing sustained actions to reduce or eliminate the long-term risks associated with these potential disasters. The plan, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the communities of Atchison County, will utilize a committee of first responders, elected officials, and public volunteers to gather community- and county-specific information.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan, currently under revision by the county and RCOG, is a requirement to access federal mitigation funds in the event of a natural disaster. The committee will discuss existing hazards, community profiles, and the general plan update process.

An RSVP is requested for anyone planning to attend. Please contact Cassie Hasekamp at the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, 660-582-5121, or by e-mail at cassie@nwmorcog.org with questions and RSVPs.