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Prepared by:
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Mitigation Bureau
P.O.Box 5644
Pearl, MS 39288
In cooperation with:
Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region IV
3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, enacted under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, (DMA2K), provides new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. This section continues the requirement for a Standard State Mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance; but provides for states to receive an increased percentage of HMGP funds (from 7.5 to 20 percent of the total estimated eligible Federal assistance) if, at the time of the declaration of a major disaster, they have in effect a FEMA-approved State of Mississippi Enhanced Mitigation Plan. It establishes a new federal requirement for local mitigation plans; and authorizes up to 7percent of the HMGP funds available to a state to be used for development of state, tribal, and local mitigation plans. Section 322, in concert with other sections of DMA2K, provides a significant opportunity to reduce the Nation's disaster losses through mitigation planning. In addition, implementation of planned, pre-identified, cost-effective mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery process.
In order to meet the compliance criteria of the DMA2K for an enhanced plan, the State of Mississippi Standard Mitigation Plan (MSMP) provides a framework for linking pre- and post-disaster mitigation planning and measures with public and private interests to ensure an integrated, comprehensive approach to disaster loss reduction. It emphasizes the importance of strong state and local planning processes and comprehensive program management. This new planning approach supports state administration of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, and represents an invigorated state commitment to mitigation activities, comprehensive state mitigation planning, and improved state program management. The new planning process provides a link between state and local mitigation programs. The MSMP emphasizes that both state and local plans must address incorporation of post-disaster early mitigation implementation strategies and sustainable recovery actions. Improved mitigation planning will result in a better understanding of risks and vulnerabilities, as well as to expedite implementation of measures and activities to reduce those risks, both pre- and post-disaster.
The MSMP demonstrates that the state has developed a comprehensive mitigation program, that it effectively uses available mitigation funding, and that it is capable of managing the increased funding. A major goal of the MSMP is for state and local governments to focus early on the development of comprehensive and integrated plans that are coordinated through appropriate state, local, and regional agencies, as well as non-governmental interest groups. To the extent feasible, the MSMP consolidates the planning requirements for different FEMA mitigation programs. This will ensure that local plans will meet the minimum requirements for all of the different FEMA mitigation programs, such as the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, the Community Rating System, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and the mitigation activities that are based upon the provisions of section 323 and subsections 406(b) and (e) of the Stafford Act. Improved mitigation plans may also serve to integrate documents and plans produced under other emergency management programs. The MSMP identifies overall goals and state level priorities, incorporates the more specific local risk assessments, when available, and reinforces the link between pre-disaster planning, building and construction standards, and post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
The preparation of the Mississippi Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan demonstrates the State of Mississippi’s commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards. This plan will serve as a guide to State decision-makers in their commitment of resources to reduce the future effects of natural hazards. This plan has been developed to serve the people of Mississippi by providing the stimulus for making our homes, businesses, and communities as safe as possible against the impacts of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and dam failures.
This State of Mississippi Standard Mitigation Plan contains geographic and demographic information, together with an assessment of the risk, and an analysis of the vulnerability that natural hazards have on the State. It also addresses the current capability of State and local government to reduce, eliminate, or minimize the vulnerability of our communities to natural hazards. Most importantly, this Plan outlines a coordinated mitigation strategy adopted by the State of Mississippi that includes long-term goals, short-term objectives, and an assignment of specific, measurable tasks or actions. Therefore, this plan is designed to be (1) informative, (2) strategic, and (3) functional in nature.
This plan will be reviewed and revised as needed to reflect changes in development, progress in statewide mitigation efforts, and changes in funding priorities. Through routine and prescribed monitoring, evaluating, and updating, the State of Mississippi will amend this Plan whenever necessary to reflect changes in State or Federal laws and statutes. Post-disaster plan review will be utilized to assess and amend risk and strategies. As a minimum, the plan will be updated every three years as required in 44 CFR 13.11 (d). Plan updates will be submitted to the FEMA Region IV for approval.
This Plan will remain the guide for the State of Mississippi through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s Mitigation Bureau to follow in accomplishing its vision of a safe and sustainable Mississippi.
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