All-Hazard Mitigation Planning to help create safe, sustainable communitiesFloods, earthquakes, and tornados are all functions of the natural environment and only become hazardous when they threaten our "built" environment with destruction. Each year federal, state, and local governments, in addition to individuals, response to and recovery from natural disasters with billions of dollars in damage. Lives are lost or devastated, property is demolished or devalued, and the economic viability of communities is impacted for years to come. There are many techniques that, over time, have proven effective in reducing or eliminating the long-term effects of natural disaster. Such "mitigation" techniques, when undertaken before the next flood, earthquake, or tornado hits might lessen the likelihood that a natural hazard could become a disaster. It is important that community planning incorporates hazard mitigation in order to make a community a safer place to live and work. Community planning creates a more viable and sustainable environment for future generations. As a result of the disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, FEMA now requires that in order to be eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds, a local unit of government (County, city, or township) needs to have a multi-hazard plan in place. FEMA has provided part of the funding necessary to complete the plans.Starting in the fall of 2004, Rock County with the assistance of the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC), will be completing an all-hazard mitigation plan that meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. All cities and townships are eligible to participate in the County plan instead of completing one on their own. The process to write, review, and submit the plan should take one year to complete.It is the goal of the County to involve a variety of people to ensure that key interests and issues are not forgotten and increase the chance for permanent solutions. A task force has been assembled that represents all participating entities (County, city, and townships) and to guide the planning process. Approximately two public meetings will be held to solicit information, ideas, planning process. Approximately two public meetings will be held to solicit information, ideas, and comments from the general public. Press releases will provide periodic updates. The first public meeting for the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan will take place on January 18th at 8:30 a.m. at the Rock County Family Services Agency located at 2 Roundwind Road. The main task of the meeting is to identify all past and potential hazards. Input from the public is extremely important and encouraged. If you cannot attend this meeting, but would like to be involved, or if you have any questions, please contact Kym Christiansen at the SRDC, at 507-836-8547, ext. 107 or kym@swrdc.org.(1-6-2005, 1-13)