The first of two public hearings on Ellis County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was held Tuesday afternoon. The plan looks at actions local governments and school districts can implement to lessen the affects of natural disasters. It is then submitted to FEMA, and can be used to assist in getting federal funding for projects such as tornado sirens or safe rooms.
Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Ring says the plan is at the public comment stage. Hard copies are available for review at the Hays Public Library and the Emergency Management office. Public comments will be taken until August 5th.
Ring expects to submit the plan in early September. USD 489 has submitted a grant application to FEMA for funding to build storm shelter classrooms, but the mitigation plan has to be approved before the grant will be considered.