County wins grant to help protect citizens, property from natural disasters

From Enterprise Staff

Polk County was successful in obtaining a General Land Office (GLO) Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (LHMPP) assistance grant to update the Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy explained that the multi-jurisdictional plan will offer practical approaches and examples so that the county and its communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters.

The plan will include Polk County, the cities of Livingston, Corrigan, Onalaska, Goodrich and Seven Oaks. Independent school districts, the hospital, EMS, local law enforcement, volunteer fire departments and other key stakeholders will also be asked to participate in the plan development. The general public will be able to review the plan draft and provide comments.

According to FEMA, “Mitigation planning is an investment in the community’s future safety and sustainability. Its critical importance includes protecting public safety and preventing loss of life, reducing harm to existing and future development and aiding the prevention of damage to a community’s unique economic, culture and environmental assets.” The possible effects of a natural disaster could become entwined in every aspect of the community, with devastating consequences for its economic, social and environmental well-being.

Murphy shared that though the project is being funded through GLO, the final requirement is to submit the plan to FEMA for approval. Once FEMA officially approves the plan, the county and its jurisdictions will be eligible for grant funding when available.

Related Articles

County now looks to recover

County now looks to pick up the pieces

Polk County has hired Langford Community Management Services (LCMS) to help guide the process and submit the plan to FEMA. According to Company President Judy Langford, “The hazard mitigation focus for FEMA is a broad set of threats and how those pair up to community vulnerabilities. We will be looking at everything from flood events to hurricanes, tropical storms, severe storms, tornados, hail, lightning, drought, wildfire, extreme heat and winter storms.”

A planning team representing all areas will develop specific strategies unique to each community. They will be reviewing the communities’ capabilities, conducting a risk assessment and identifying mitigation goals and actions.

A community survey will be available to the public to understand residents’ top concerns. The survey will also be accessible in public facilities such as libraries, city halls, the Polk County Judge’s Office and the Polk County Office of Emergency Management. Three public meetings will be held during the planning process to provide ample time for public comments and input.

Murphy encourages residents and businesses to become engaged in the planning process, offer their feedback and consider what their households would do in a wildfire, tornado or other emergencies. She adds, “This is an opportunity for good, open, honest dialogue. Maybe it’s something that sparks conversation within a household or within a neighborhood association or business park. Planning for natural disasters at home and at work is crucial to everyone’s safety.”

Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator Courtney Comstock is the local team leader for this initiative. She can be reached at 936-327-6826 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..