Logan EMA to host public forum on plan to reduce storm damage

[October 11, 2013]  Projects and activities to prevent injuries, deaths and property damage from major storms will be presented for public comment. The Logan County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will be available for review at a public forum on Oct. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Park District, 1400 Primm Road in Lincoln.

Members from the Logan County Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee will be available to discuss this plan.

"Persons can come and go at their convenience to review the plan and comment. If someone only has a few minutes to review the plan, ask a question or comment, they can easily do so at any time during the forum. This forum is designed to accommodate busy schedules. Unlike some conventional meetings, there are no formal presentations forcing attendees to wait before they are allowed to speak," according to Terry Storer of the Logan County Emergency Management Agency.

Approximately 160 projects and activities were identified to protect Logan County residents and property from storms and other natural disasters. This plan, unlike all other emergency plans, is aimed at identifying projects and activities that can be done before a natural disaster occurs. The committee has been conducting working meetings open to the public since August 2012.

"We have received public input to develop this plan throughout the planning process. This input has included photographs, verifiable information about storms and insurance claims about damages, as well as specific suggestions about potential projects that could reduce harm to people and property. This forum is an opportunity to see the entire draft plan," added Storer.

Atlanta, Broadwell, Elkhart, Emden, Hartsburg, Lincoln and Mount Pulaski are municipalities participating in the planning process.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, American Red Cross, Country Financial, Mount Pulaski Rural Fire Protection District 2 in Chestnut and the Logan County Farm Bureau also served on the committee.

A public comment period will remain open until Oct. 31. Comments can be directed to the Logan County Emergency Management Agency. Following the public comment period, any revisions that are needed will be made before the plan is submitted to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for approval.

[Text from file received from Logan County Emergency Management Agency]