Regional & Community Planning
Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning
The Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan provides strategies for strengthening community resilience to natural disasters. A cooperative project between NACOLG, the West Alabama Regional Commission, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, and the North-Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, the current plan includes Colbert, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Walker and Winston Counties, and the eligible jurisdictions within each county. The plan fulfills requirements set forth by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which requires jurisdictions to create a hazard mitigation plan to qualify for mitigation funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard mitigation plans require review and approval by FEMA, with updates submitted every five years.
Department Contacts:
Peggy Mighty, M.S., M.U.R.P. - Community Development Specialist/Planner
pmighty@nacolg.org
256-389-0553
Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning Frequently Asked Questions
What is hazard mitigation planning?
Hazard mitigation planning is the process of identifying risks from natural disasters and developing long-term strategies to reduce injuries, property damage and disruption before future disasters occur.
What is the Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan?
The Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is a regional plan that outlines strategies for strengthening community resilience and reducing risks associated with natural disasters.
What is a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan?
A multi-jurisdictional plan allows multiple counties, cities, towns and other eligible jurisdictions to coordinate their hazard-mitigation efforts within one regional planning process.
Each participating jurisdiction can identify its risks, priorities and proposed mitigation actions while contributing to a coordinated regional strategy.
Which counties are included in the current plan?
The current Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan includes:
Colbert County
Franklin County
Lamar County
Lawrence County
Marion County
Walker County
Winston County
Eligible cities, towns and other jurisdictions within these counties may also participate.
Why is a hazard mitigation plan important?
A hazard mitigation plan helps a community understand its risks, establish priorities and identify projects that may reduce the effects of future natural disasters.
The planning process can also help local governments prepare for potential mitigation funding opportunities.
Is an approved hazard mitigation plan required for FEMA funding?
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires jurisdictions to maintain an approved hazard mitigation plan to qualify for certain mitigation funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Eligibility for funding also depends on the requirements of the individual grant program and proposed project.
Does having a hazard mitigation plan guarantee FEMA funding?
No. An approved plan may satisfy an important eligibility requirement, but it does not guarantee that a jurisdiction or project will receive funding. FEMA and other funding agencies evaluate applications according to current program rules, priorities and available funds.
How often must the hazard mitigation plan be updated?
Hazard mitigation plans must be reviewed and updated every five years. Updated plans must be submitted to FEMA for review and approval.
Who participates in developing the regional plan?
The plan is a cooperative project involving:
Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments
West Alabama Regional Commission
Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
North-Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments
Participating counties and eligible local jurisdictions
What types of information are included in a hazard mitigation plan?
A regional hazard mitigation plan generally documents community risks, vulnerable areas, existing capabilities and proposed strategies for reducing future disaster losses.
The specific goals and actions included in the plan reflect the risks and priorities of participating jurisdictions.
What is a hazard mitigation action?
A hazard mitigation action is a long-term project, policy or strategy intended to reduce the effects of future natural disasters. Actions are developed according to identified local risks, community needs and available resources.
How does hazard mitigation differ from emergency response?
Emergency response focuses on actions taken during and immediately after a disaster. Hazard mitigation focuses on steps taken before future disasters to reduce long-term risks and potential damage.
Both are important parts of community preparedness and resilience.
Can cities and towns participate in the regional plan?
Eligible cities, towns and other jurisdictions within the participating counties may be included in the regional plan. Local officials should contact NACOLG to confirm participation requirements and planning responsibilities.
How can local governments become involved in a plan update?
Local government officials should contact NACOLG’s planning staff as early as possible. Participation may involve reviewing local risks, updating community information, identifying mitigation priorities and providing feedback on proposed actions.
Can residents and community organizations provide input?
Public participation is an important part of community planning. Residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders may have opportunities to review information or provide input during the planning and update process.
Contact NACOLG for information about current meetings, surveys, comment periods or other participation opportunities.
Where can I review the current Hazard Mitigation Action Plan?
The Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Action Plan is available through the NACOLG Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning page.
What communities are covered by the regional plan?
The plan covers eligible jurisdictions in Colbert, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Walker and Winston counties.
This includes communities near Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Russellville, Red Bay, Moulton, Hamilton, Winfield, Haleyville, Double Springs, Vernon, Sulligent, Jasper and other participating Northwest Alabama communities.