DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and action on the City of San Antonio’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan designed to protect people and property from the effects of natural and human-caused hazards.
SUMMARY:
The Office of Emergency Management would like to update the Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services Committee on the City of San Antonio’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan which is designed to protect people and property from the effects of natural and human-caused hazards. The Plan enables COSA to apply for pre- and post-disaster mitigation funding that would not otherwise be available. This funding can help local jurisdictions develop a framework for action and implement desired goals and objectives outlined in the plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Hazard mitigation is defined as actions taken to reduce the effects of natural hazards on a community and its population. The San Antonio Office of Emergency Management has completed a local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan that identifies goals, objectives, and pro-active measures to enhance the City’s long-term sustainability, by addressing both natural and technological hazards. The plan has been approved by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and is currently pending formal adoption.
The planning process has taken nearly 2 years to complete and has addressed multiple planning requirements. The mitigation planning team consisted of over 70 individuals spanning local, state, federal, non-governmental and private organizations. Public participation has taken place throughout the planning process. The team identified 13 local hazards and developed 130 mitigation actions aimed at reducing or eliminating long-term risks to human life, property, and the environment throughout the community. The new Plan will supersede the 2012 Alamo Area Council of Government’s Regional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted June 12th 2012.
State, tribal, and local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, provides the legal basis for state, local, and tribal governments to undertake a risk-based approach to reducing risks from natural hazards through mitigation planning.
FEMA mitigation funding programs include:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program - Provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and projects on an annual basis.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program - Provides funds for projects to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured under the National Flood Insurance Program.
Federal regulations require that each participating jurisdiction adopt the final plan by local ordinance. This is the final step in this process, and one that is required for approval by FEMA.
ALTERNATIVES:
By not adopting this plan which is Approvable Pending Adoption (APA), COSA will not be eligible to apply for future mitigation funding, hindering active mitigation planning and a rapid recovery from disasters.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval by the Criminal Justice, Public Safety, and Services Committee of the City of San Antonio’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan and move to the full City Council for approval in December.