News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council will consider approval of an updated Putnam County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Community Development Director Jon Ward said the last plan was approved in July 2017. The plan details how the city will undertake hazard mitigation actions before natural disasters occur to reduce the potential for harm to people and property.
“So the plan has finally reached its update, it’s been finalized,” Ward said. “So this is just a resolution to readopt the plan update. But the resolution keeps us eligible for federal dollars in the event of a disaster by adopting the plan.”
Ward said the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires such a plan from all communities to maintain that eligibility. Putnam County EMA will submit the plan to FEMA officials for final review and approval.
Ward said the county and its municipalities participated in the planning process. The plan also took input from city officials, including the planning department and utility departments.
“Our police department participated in the plan update, fire, public works, planning, some of the utilities,” Ward said. “The plan deals with several different natural disaster events. Winter storms, severe storms, flash flooding, earthquakes, landslides, and those kinds of disasters.”
The council will consider the plan update for a vote Thursday night.
