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13 <br /> b. Approval of Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan <br /> The Board approved a resolution adopting the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as <br /> approved by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM). <br /> BACKGROUND: In October 2000, the "Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000" (DMA 2000) (Public Law <br /> 106- 390) was signed into law amending the "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency <br /> Act of 1988." DMA 2000 requires local governments to adopt a hazard mitigation plan in order to <br /> be eligible for hazard mitigation funding. To remain eligible for funding, each local government <br /> must update the hazard mitigation plan every five years. <br /> In addition, North Carolina General Statute §166-A- 19.41 states as a condition of State public <br /> assistance funds following a disaster that "the eligible entity shall have a hazard mitigation plan <br /> approved pursuant to the Stafford Act." <br /> In an effort to reduce costs associated with hazard mitigation planning, the State prioritizes <br /> planning funding provided to counties to those who collaboratively create regional hazard <br /> mitigation plans with neighboring jurisdictions that are face comparable or similar hazards. The <br /> goal is to combine efforts and have counties create comprehensive, multi- <br /> county/multijurisdictional plans while using fewer resources. No local control is lost by any <br /> participating entity in the regional plan, and each participant retains the right to apply for State or <br /> Federal funding. Furthermore, as an additional benefit, any combination of participants can <br /> choose to share the cost of any required local match when applying for project funding. <br /> In accordance with State and Federal regulations, the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation <br /> Planning Team, which consists of representatives from Orange County Planning and Inspections, <br /> Orange County Emergency Services, and the other participating jurisdictions began meeting in <br /> September 2024 to work with WSP, a consultant provided by the State, to create the 2025 update <br /> to the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Collectively, the team evaluated past hazards <br /> and incidents, the geographical profile, the population profile, recently updated Flood Insurance <br /> Rate Maps (FIRMs), assessments from the Triangle Regional Resiliency Study, and other data to <br /> compile a profile for the region. Additionally, mitigation goals, strategies, and actions were <br /> developed for the region. <br /> A draft of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to the State Hazard <br /> Mitigation Officer for review in April 2025, and NCEM approved the plan in May 2025. The <br /> Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently reviewing the plan and is <br /> expected to issue an approval. Local government approval of the plan is occurring ahead of the <br /> expected FEMA approval in order to ensure necessary deadlines are met. If FEMA's review <br /> results in any significant revisions, the plan will be brought back to the BOCC for re-adoption at <br /> a later date. <br /> Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of Emergency Management, introduced the item. <br /> Chair Bedford asked her to explain a bit about the Emergency Management team. <br /> Sarah Pickhardt explained her team's role in coordinating the county's disaster response, <br /> preparedness, recovery, and mitigation across all hazard types from hurricanes to hazardous <br /> spills. She said when local resources might be overwhelmed, her team connects needs with <br /> resources rather than taking over scenes. <br /> Sarah Pickhardt introduced Hannah Tuckman, Emergency Management Planner, who <br /> made the following presentation: <br />