Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines mitigation as "any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event." The Benton County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan was developed in an effort to reduce future loss of life and damage to property resulting from natural hazards.

By developing and maintaining an approved Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan we also stay compliant with State and Federal law and remain eligible to apply for pre-and post-disaster funding.

It is impossible to predict exactly when natural hazards events will occur, or the extent to which they will affect the community. But with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and community members, it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from natural hazards.

In July 2016, the Board of Commissioners formally adopted the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. In October 2021, a progress report on the implementation of the plan was developed. Both are listed in "Support Documents" below.