Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission

Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA

Media Release

CONTACT: Catherine Ratté, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (413) 781-6045


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2009

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plans Public Comment Period

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, in conjunction with local hazard mitigation planning committees, has produced drafts of pre-disaster mitigation plans for the communities of Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Springfield, West Springfield, and Williamsburg. Residents, business owners, and other concerned parties of these municipalities and adjacent communities are encouraged to comment on these plans, which are currently available for viewing on PVPC’s website
at www.pvpc.org (under Projects and Plans). Paper copies of the plans may be obtained at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission offices at 60 Congress Street, Springfield. The plans will be available for the next 30 days.

In addition, PVPC has produced a draft regional Hazard Mitigation plan for the Pioneer Valley, a copy of which is also available for public review and comment at www.pvpc.org.

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.

PVPC has previously facilitated development of plans for 25 communities in the Hampshire and Hampden county areas. Communities with approved plans are 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 PVPC’s Catherine Ratté at (413) 781-6045 or cratte@pvpc.org.