(Monticello) "Many municipal and County officials and community agencies are working together to update the Sullivan County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Using a grant from the New York State Emergency Management Office, the County has retained the services of Barton and Loguidice, a planning and engineering firm with a Hudson Valley office located in Ellenville, to update the existing Plan, which was written in 2005.  A steering committee comprised of highway superintendents, code enforcement officers, supervisors, mayors and County staff is leading the effort,” said County Manager David Fanslau.

“Community input is crucial to the success of the plan update.  Residents are encouraged to complete a hazard mitigation questionnaire to help the steering committee assess local needs and priorities concerning flooding, winter storms, power outages, and other natural and man-made hazards,” said Luiz Aragon, Commissioner of the Division of Planning and Environmental Management.  The questionnaire is available online at www.co.sullivan.ny.us or by contacting Barton and Loguidice at 845-647-4078 or the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management at 845-807-0527.

“Federal law requires that the municipalities of Sullivan County develop and implement local hazard mitigation plans in order to obtain future FEMA grant monies for hazard mitigation.  These plans must be updated every five years.  Upon final approval from FEMA, Sullivan County and each participating municipality must formally adopt and approve the plan,” concluded Fanslau.

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