The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is holding a public information/input session on Thursday, March 31 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at its office located at 1100 Madison Street in Martinsville to receive citizen’s comments and questions on the update of the West Piedmont Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Specifically, a review of the plan’s updated Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) data is the focus of this input session.
The West Piedmont Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was initially adopted by the participating jurisdictions in 2006. Every five years local governments must review and update the mitigation plan from the original date of the plan to continue Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation grant program eligibility. Area local governments will be considering the plan for re-adoption during the fall of 2016. Citizen’s comments will be addressed and, as appropriate, will be incorporated in the updated plan.
A brief overview of the planning process will be given to attendees as well as information on changes to risk and vulnerability. Citizen input on areas of concern and ideas for future projects to reduce the impact of natural disasters will be taken.
“History has proven that our community is not immune from disaster. We will continue to work together to protect our citizens and lessen the impact when disaster strikes again,” said Dale Wagoner, Henry County’s deputy county administrator. “Disasters will occur, and through proper planning now, we can take steps to reduce our area’s risk to natural hazards.”
A draft copy of the updated West Piedmont Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is posted on the West Piedmont webpage wppdc.org.
Individuals unable to attend the meeting can fax comments to (276) 638-8137, or email them to dhoback@wppdc.org Comments may also be mailed to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 5268, Martinsville, VA 24115. Technical questions regarding the plan’s content may be emailed to jfrantz@dewberry.com.
Virginia’s West Piedmont Planning District Commission (PDC) is a governmental public entity responsible for coordination of state and local interests on a regional basis. The commission promotes regional cooperation, coordinates the regional activities and policies of member local governments, and provides assistance to local governments in all their planning and development activities, including economic development, transportation planning, grant application assistance, management services for program implementation, land use planning services, and geographic information systems.
The WPPDC serves Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties; the cities of Danville and Martinsville; and the towns of Rocky Mount, Boones Mill, Ridgeway, Stuart, Chatham, Gretna, and Hurt.
