County officials discuss mitigation plan

VW independent/submitted information

Representatives of several Van Wert County agencies met Thursday at the County Commissioners’ Office to update the county’s plan to deal with natural hazards.

A mitigation plan helps prioritize funding requests for activities and equipment to deal with natural disasters like floods, severe winter storms, erosion, drought and tornadoes.

“The plan allows for our local communities to qualify for pre- or post-disaster mitigation funding,” said Rick McCoy, director of the Van Wert Emergency Management Agency. Safe rooms, sandbagging, warning sirens, and weather radios are examples of things that could be funded.

“Although natural weather related occurrences will continue, this planning process will help local communities lessen their impact,” McCoy added.

Representatives from Wren, Ohio City, Willshire, the County Health Department, Economic Development, the county commissioners and Regional Planning attended the meeting.

“The physical safety of residents of Van Wert County is of utmost importance,” said Economic Development Director Sarah K. Smith. “But weather also affects business vitality. We want to make sure that businesses small and large, as well as their workforce, have all the tools necessary to protect themselves before and after weather-related disasters.”

“Funding for projects like these depends on current and complete information, so it’s important to stay on top of it,” said County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger.

Rural Development Specialist Roberta Acosta, from WSOS in Fremont, said she and McCoy are asking each community in the county to prioritize its hazard requests. An updated plan must be submitted to FEMA by the end of June and full participation is vital, she added