FEMA Region VIII Mitigation Division invited the CPO-led National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) to their virtual G-318 Local Mitigation Planning Workshop taking place over four days, March 23, 25, 30 and April 1, 2021. The workshop will provide guidance on developing or updating local hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 and §201.7 for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
The workshop covers the local hazard mitigation plan requirements, such as the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy, and will have a strong focus on developing solid mitigation project ideas. Specifically, NIDIS will identify drought as one hazard that should be considered during the planning effort, highlighting data and resources on the U.S. Drought Portal to aid planners in their drought risk assessment. Additionally, they will join a panel on Federal Resources for Hazard Planning which will include NIDIS, EPA, EDA, FEMA and HUD. The panel will aim to encourage participants to think about innovation in project design and funding, as well as to increase awareness and collaboration across the Region VIII federal partners.