2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Public Comment Notice to Close on December 5, 2023
Jackson County is updating its multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP). This work is being performed in cooperation with the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement - Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, utilizing funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. With re-adoption of the plan, Jackson County will maintain its eligibility to apply for federal funding towards natural hazard mitigation projects. PLAN OVERVIEW
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is not an operational response plan. It does not describe how the County or any of the cities or towns will respond to natural disasters. Additionally, the County and each incorporated city are responsible for the planning, response, recovery, and mitigation activities within their jurisdictional boundaries. The NHMP is a framework that guides decision-making and policy development around the reduction or elimination of risk to life and property resulting from air quality, drought, earthquake, emerging infectious diseases, flood, heat, landslide, wildfire, windstorm, and winter storm events. This NHMP update will engage state and local partners to understand risks from natural hazards and develop long-term strategies to reduce the impacts of disasters on people, property, and the environment.

PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE
To provide public comment, please describe the feedback and reference page number, table, or figure of concern:
  1. Send an email to JacksonEM@jacksoncountyor.gov
  2. Send a fax to 541-774-6705
  3. Mail or drop-off hard copies: 10 S. Oakdale, Rm 214, Medford, OR 97501
Posted for Comment on November 21, 2023
 Posted for Comment on October 17, 2023
 Posted for Comment on October 6, 2023
 Posted for Comment on September 28, 2023 or before Posted for Comment on September 11, 2023 or before

City of Medford has a stand-alone NHMP, which is available on the City of Medford’s website. 

NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
Natural disasters occur when natural hazard events greatly impact people, structures, and the environment. The ever-increasing costs associated with natural disasters over the past decades have heightened interest in identifying and implementing effective means of reducing these impacts.

Natural hazards mitigation planning is a process for identifying and understanding the hazards facing a jurisdiction and prioritizing actions the jurisdiction can take to reduce injuries and deaths; damage to buildings, critical facilities, and infrastructure; interruption in essential services; economic hardship; and environmental harm. Reducing impacts also speeds up recovery and lowers its cost.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approves NHMPs that meet federal requirements at 44 CFR 201. Having a current, FEMA-approved NHMP establishes eligibility for certain FEMA grants that fund natural hazard mitigation planning and projects. Approval lasts five years. Jackson County’s current NHMP is valid through July 2, 2023.

PROJECT TIMELINE