Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2028
Columbia County is currently updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Hazard mitigation planning helps communities identify natural and human-caused hazards, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to reduce future losses to life, property, infrastructure, and the environment.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is updated every five years in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements. The current plan was approved by FEMA in 2023 and will expire in 2028.
To view the current FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan (2022 Update), please return to the previous page and select "2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan."
Why Is This Plan Important?
A FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan helps Columbia County and participating municipalities and stakeholders identify risks, reduce future losses, improve community resilience, and remain eligible for certain federal hazard mitigation assistance programs.
Maintaining an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan can support eligibility for mitigation funding opportunities administered through FEMA and other federal and state programs. These funding opportunities may assist with projects that reduce risks associated with flooding, severe weather, infrastructure failures, and other hazards.
Highlights:
- The current Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved in 2023.
- The current plan expires in 2028.
- Columbia County is actively conducting the 2028 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
- Opportunities for public, municipal, business, and stakeholder participation will be available throughout the planning process.
- Updates, meeting materials, surveys, and draft documents will be posted to this page as they become available.
Information:
The 2028 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will:
- Review natural and human-caused hazards affecting Columbia County.
- Update the countywide risk assessment and vulnerability analysis.
- Evaluate critical facilities, infrastructure, and community assets.
- Identify opportunities to reduce future hazard impacts.
- Develop mitigation projects and actions to improve community resilience.
- Support eligibility for future mitigation grant opportunities.
The planning process includes coordination with municipalities, emergency responders, public agencies, utilities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and other community stakeholders.
Public Participation:
Public participation is an important component of the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update process.
Residents, businesses, community organizations, and local officials are encouraged to participate by:
- Completing surveys.
- Attending public meetings.
- Reviewing draft plan materials.
- Identifying local hazards and concerns.
- Suggesting mitigation projects and actions.
Public comments will be accepted throughout the planning process.
Stakeholder Participation:
Columbia County encourages participation from:
- Municipal governments
- Emergency responders
- Utility providers
- School districts
- Healthcare organizations
- Business and industry representatives
- Agricultural interests
- Community organizations
- Residents
Stakeholder input is critical to identifying local hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation opportunities.
Projected Project Timeline:
The Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is anticipated to follow the schedule below:
June 18, 2026 – Kickoff Meeting
December 12, 2026 – Risk Assessment Meeting
March 2, 2027 – Capability Assessment Meeting
June 2, 2027 – Mitigation Strategy Meeting
November 2, 2027 – Draft Review Meeting
January 2028 – Submit Plan to PEMA and FEMA for Review
Information:
The 2028 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will:
- Review natural and human-caused hazards affecting Columbia County.
- Update the countywide risk assessment and vulnerability analysis.
- Evaluate critical facilities, infrastructure, and community assets.
- Identify opportunities to reduce future hazard impacts.
- Develop mitigation projects and actions to improve community resilience.
- Support eligibility for future mitigation grant opportunities.
The planning process includes coordination with municipalities, emergency responders, public agencies, utilities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and other community stakeholders.
News and Updates:
- Planning process initiated.
- Coordination meetings with PEMA and FEMA completed.
- Stakeholder outreach activities underway.
- Kickoff Meeting scheduled for June 18, 2026.
- Tentative timeline available.
Additional updates will be posted throughout the planning process.
Projected Project Timeline:
The Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is anticipated to follow the schedule below:
June 18, 2026 – Kickoff Meeting
December 12, 2026 – Risk Assessment Meeting
March 2, 2027 – Capability Assessment Meeting
June 2, 2027 – Mitigation Strategy Meeting
November 2, 2027 – Draft Review Meeting
January 2028 – Submit Plan to PEMA and FEMA for Review
Contact Information:
For questions, comments, or participation opportunities regarding the 2028 Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, please contact: Columbia County Operations, Training and Risk Officer: Sidney Springer at sspringer@columbiapa.org
Public comments may be submitted throughout the planning process.