Wasatch Front Regional Council

2008 Natural Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan

The Wasatch Front Regional Council is pleased to announce the release of the final version of the 2008 Wasatch Front Natural Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  Formal approval of the Plan from the State of Utah and FEMA was given on November 20, 2009.  A copy of that approval can be found here.  Please contact DeeEll Fifield for questions or comments.  To view the plan, please click here. 

What is the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program?

This program is a way for States and local governments to receive technical and financial assistance, for cost-effective pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive mitigation program.  Mitigation is herein defined as pre-disaster planning and projects that will reduce the potential for injuries, loss of life, and damage to property as a result of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, a fire, flood, tornado, etc. Pre-disaster mitigation grant money from the federal government is given to the State of Utah.  The State then passes it on to local governments for pre-disaster mitigation activities, such as the planning and implementation of projects that are deemed necessary as a result of the evaluation of natural hazards.

What is Hazard Mitigation Planning? It is a joint process between local communities, state and local agencies, the Wasatch Front Regional Council,(WFRC) and other interested members; and an important aspect of a successful mitigation program whereby natural hazards are identified, vulnerability assessed, and mitigation strategies recognized to minimize the effects of these hazards. States and communities are able to use the natural hazard mitigation planning process to set mitigation goals and objectives specific to their needs. 

Why was the WFRC chosen to prepare the Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan? The WFRC has full-time professional planners and who work with local governments regularly. Governmental agencies, professional associations, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns endorse this approach to planning. These agencies believe that it is the best approach to ensure coordination on a regional basis with elected officials, emergency managers, city and county planners, public works officials, and information technology specialists. 

How does the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) play a role in this process? The HMGP provides the funding to implement and enable mitigation projects that were identified in the PDM Plan. These funds could be available after a major presidential disaster declaration and during the immediate recovery from a disaster. 

Why do we have to revise the mitigation plan? The Mitigation Planning Section (322), of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) established a new approach and requirement for natural hazard mitigation planning, which emphasizes close coordination between State and local governments during the planning and implementation process for mitigation projects.  In order to accommodate changes in land use, population density, and hazards probability, the Act requires revision every five (5) years.  This Act continues the requirement for an up-to-date plan to be in place in order for local governments to receive federal disaster assistance. 

Is it necessary for our community to participate? States must have an approved natural hazard mitigation plan in order to qualify for future funding through the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program. This plan ensures eligibility for increased funding for a community following a federally-declared disaster and may qualify a community for project grants.  To be fully eligible for these grants, communities must formally adopt the PDM plan through a non-binding resolution. 

Does this program only include Natural Hazards? A PDM plan will be approved without consideration of man-made or technological hazards. The PDM Plans that the Wasatch Front Regional Council prepared only identified natural hazards with the exception of dam failure.  A Technical (Man-made) Hazards addendum will be created following the final revised draft of the PDM Plan. 

Who will review the Plan to make sure it meets all of the necessary requirements? The seven regional plans will be reviewed by the Utah Division of Homeland Security (DHLS). DHLS will then “roll” each plan into one Statewide plan and turn this into FEMA for approval. All original seven regional Plans and the original State plan were accepted by FEMA. 

When will the revised Plan be completed?A revised draft of the PDM Plan was posted to the WFRC website in March 2008 and is available for public comment March 19, through April 21, 2008. Local cities and counties are encouraged to adopt the plan between April 21, and July 31, 2008.  The Plan must be approved by FEMA no later than September 2008.

How can I find out more information? Interested persons are encouraged to contact DeeEll Fifield [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ] of the Wasatch Front Regional Council or Brad Bartholomew [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ] of the Division of Homeland Security or their county Emergency Manager. Additional information related to the PDM program and its requirements can be found by contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov).  Staff Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it