Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission
Press Release
CONTACT: Catherine Miller, PVPC Principal Planner, (413) 781-6045
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2007
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plans Under Development
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is beginning the process of drafting pre-disaster mitigation plans for the Communities of Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Cummington, Goshen, Granby, Huntington, Palmer, Southampton, Springfield, Westfield, West Springfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Worthington.
This planning effort is being undertaken to help communities assess the risks they face from natural hazards, identify action steps that can be taken to prevent damage to property and loss of life, and prioritize funding for mitigation efforts. A mitigation action is any action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.
Individuals interested in their community’s Hazard Mitigation plan can contact PVPC to request information on their community’s plan development. In 2006-2007, PVPC facilitated development of plans for 16 communities in Hampshire and Hampden counties. Following completion of this second round of 16 hazard mitigation plans, PVPC will be developing a regional Hazard Mitigation plan. Communities with approved plans will be eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
These pre-disaster mitigation plans are being developed with assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission with funding provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
For additional information, please contact Catherine Miller at (413) 781-6045 or cmiller@pvpc.org.