Agenda - 09-01-20; 8-g - Approval of Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

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2 jurisdictional plans while using fewer resources. No local control is lost by any participating entity in the regional plan, and each participant retains the right to apply for State or Federal funding. Furthermore, as an additional benefit, any combination of participants can choose to share the cost of any required local match when applying for project funding. In accordance with State and Federal regulations, the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, which consists of representatives from Orange County Planning and Inspections, Orange County Emergency Services, and the other participating jurisdictions, began meeting in mid-2019 to work with Wood, a contractor provided by the State, to create the new Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Collectively, the team evaluated past hazards and incidents, the geographical profile, the population profile, recently updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), assessments from the Triangle Regional Resiliency Study, and other data to compile a profile for the region. Additionally, mitigation goals, strategies, and actions were developed for the region. A draft of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for review in June 2020. The State returned comments on July 10, 2020, and the local planning team returned the plan with requested revisions. The plan was returned with the suggested revisions on July 13, 2020 for approval and NC Emergency Management returned an official approval letter on July 17, 2020. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently reviewing the plan and is expected to issue an approval within the next 30 days. Local government approval of the plan is occurring ahead of the expected FEMA approval in order to ensure necessary deadlines are met. If FEMA's review results in any significant revisions, the plan will be brought back to the BOCC for re-adoption at a later date. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no direct negative financial impacts associated with the adoption of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The State has provided funding for contracting services associated with compiling the plan. State and Federal law require a jurisdiction to have an adopted and approved hazard mitigation plan in place to be eligible for hazard mitigation assistance funds. Work at the local level was accomplished using existing County and local staff. A fundamental premise of mitigation strategy is that current dollars invested in mitigation activities will significantly reduce the demand for future dollars by reducing the amount needed for emergency recovery, repair, and reconstruction following a disaster. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. While natural hazards cannot be prevented, the community can use various means to reduce the vulnerability of people and damage to property. The community can reduce exposure to future natural hazards by managing the location and characteristics of both the existing and