Longview Hazard Mitigation Plans
Posted/updated on: January 17, 2011 at 3:18 pm
LONGVIEW — The development of the Gregg County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently underway, and officials say participation is needed from area agencies and industries as the process moves forward. The purpose of the plan, which is mandated by the federal government and is required for several grant funding sources, is to help reduce the potential for damage to the community caused by natural, technological, or man-made hazards. The plan considers a variety of hazards such as tornadoes, ice storms, transportation accidents, hazardous materials, utility outages, and epidemics.
To coordinate the planning project, Gregg County invited area entities to participate in the 2011 Hazardous Mitigation Planning Team. Members of the Longview Fire Department were tasked with compiling the team’s efforts into a final document. The federal government mandates that communities develop Hazard Mitigation Plans every five years. Several reporting requirements have changed since the last plan was developed, and there have also been several changes to local resources within the last five years.
According to Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, “We have a strong history of entities working together in Gregg County in emergency response. This project impacts all cities, school districts, hospitals, and industries within Gregg County. For this plan to truly be successful, we must receive input and participation from all entities.”
Three meetings have been held so far, and leaders are hopeful that the momentum for the project will continue to grow. According to Longview Mayor Jay Dean, “This is an absolutely vital public safety project for our region as a whole and each entity individually. It’s also important from a financial standpoint, because we know the pivotal role grants can play. I encourage representatives from all the local entities to be involved in the process.”
Locally, agencies have seen that collaborative planning can lead to real results. Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman stated, “This is an opportunity to be proactive as a region. By coming together for these meetings, it makes the emergency responders aware of what our regional capabilities are and what our weaknesses are as well. Then, we can take steps to address those needs.” Examples of recent hazard mitigation projects include installation of new generators at water treatment facilities and fire stations, construction of laundry facilities at the Gregg County Fairgrounds for evacuees of disasters, and development of mutual aid agreements between regional agencies.
The first meeting of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team was held December 1, and the process must be complete by September 2011. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 20, at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd. The January 20 meeting is open to the public. For more information about the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, you can contact the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1150.
