The public is encouraged to review and comment on the Atchison County Multi- jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update before it is finalized. The plan includes an updated strategy to reduce damage and losses caused by hazard events. The draft of the plan will be available online through August 5, 2024. The purpose is to provide information to the public on the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update as well as gain public input.

Each year, thousands of American families are affected by disasters, and billions of dollars are spent on disaster recovery. Some disasters are predictable, and often, losses and damages can be reduced or eliminated. For these reasons, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires communities to develop an approved local hazard mitigation plan. Without such a plan, communities are not eligible for certain federal funding.

Representatives from county departments, the incorporated cities, public school districts, and other mitigation planning stakeholders worked together to develop this plan update. The planning committee addressed hazards ranging from extreme heat and severe winter storms to tornadoes and flooding – and considered the impacts of these events on local communities. Based on the results of an updated risk assessment of the hazards, committee members updated the strategies for their jurisdictions to reduce damages caused by the various hazards.

The planning committee would like input from the public on the updated strategy for Atchison County. Public comments will be considered by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and incorporated into the plan, as appropriate.

The draft plan will be available for your review, through August 5, 2024, on the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Government’s website at https://nwmorcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ atchison-county-2025-hazard-mitigation-plan-draft.pdf.

The final plan must be approved by the governing body of each participating jurisdiction, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, and FEMA before becoming official. The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments has taken the lead in developing this plan. The point of contact is Kirk Kopper, Community Planner. Public comments may be sent via email to solid@nwmorcog.org.