Projects to prevent injuries, deaths, and property damage from major storms and other types of severe weather will be presented for Public Comment, in the Whiteside County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. This Plan will be available for review at the public forum on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 5:00 to 7 p.m. at the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, in Morrison, IL.
Members of the Whiteside County Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee will be available to answer questions and discuss the Plan.
“Persons can come and go at their convenience. If someone only has a few minutes to review a 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 can speak,” stated Seth Janssen, Coordinator, Whiteside County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency.
Approximately 120 projects and activities have been identified to protect Whiteside County residents and property from storms and other natural disasters. This Committee has been conducting working meetings open to the public since July 2014.
CGH Medical Center, Morrison Community Hospital, ARES and RACES (two radio organizations involved with emergency communications), Blackhawk Hills Regional Council, and Whiteside County Farm Bureau joined county and municipal representatives on the Whiteside County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.
“Committee members helped identify projects that reflect the specific needs of each participating municipality. Evaluating information about storms and damages [l]ed to develop[ing] specific suggestions about potential projects that can reduce harm to people and property,” added Janssen.
A Public Comment period will remain open until Thursday, October 15. Comments can be directed to the Whiteside County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency. 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.
