TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to submit the 2022 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan) in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 - Public Law 106-390; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to amend and update the Plan annually or as requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In October 2000, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Mitigation Act) was signed into law. Pursuant to the Mitigation Act, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires local, county and state government to submit a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) to FEMA in order to be eligible for grant-funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects and expanded post-disaster relief or emergency assistance funding. The FEMA-approved mitigation planning process includes identifying natural hazards, determining potential impacts, developing mitigation measures for those hazards, and implementing measures to reduce the impacts of those hazards.
The 2022 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan update serves to reduce the loss of life and property by mitigating potential risks and minimizing the impact of natural hazards. The NHMP provides a specific evaluation of seven hazards identified as posing significant threats to the community: earthquake; drought; flood; severe weather; tsunami; sea-level rise; and dam failure. As the cost of damages from disasters to metropolitan areas across the country continue to increase, the City of Long Beach (City) recognizes the importance of identifying effective ways to reduce vulnerability to disasters. Mitigation plans assist communities in reducing risk from hazards by identifying resources, providing information, and creating strategies for risk reduction, while helping to guide and coordinate mitigation activities. Planning for the mitigation of natural hazards is an integral element of the City’s overall disaster preparedness plans.
The City initiated the planning process to formally update the NHMP in August 2021. A steering committee, facilitated by a consultant group, was established and included representation from Disaster Preparedness, Public Works, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, Police, Fire, Development Services, Parks, Recreation, and Marine, Water, Health and Human Services, Energy Resources, and Human Resources/Risk Management. Subject matter experts from Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and local colleges and universities also participated on the steering committee to provide insight and assistance. The steering committee, along with the consultant, worked to review the current Plan’s goals, objectives, and natural hazard vulnerabilities and updated the plan where necessary.
A key aspect of the hazard mitigation planning process is outreach to stakeholders and the public, including residents, businesses, local government representatives and organizations with an interest in hazard mitigation planning. The City provided a range of opportunities for the public to participate in the planning process including the circulation of a public survey on the risks of natural disasters, press release, announcement advertising the availability of the draft plan online and physically at library branches, and a presentation to our Disaster Preparedness Community Partner Organizations. Additionally, the department launched a permanent Hazard Mitigation Plan webpage to provide educational information and allow residents to participate in the update process.
Once adopted by Council, the Plan will be submitted to California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA for review and approval.
Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR) stipulates that hazard mitigation plans must present a schedule for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan. City staff will update the plan on a biannual basis to reevaluate recommendations, monitor the impacts of mitigation actions that have been accomplished, and determine if there is a need to change the focus of mitigation strategies.
This matter has been reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on September 28, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 18, 2022, to ensure the City can promptly submit the plan to Cal OES and FEMA for review and approval in order to maintain grant eligibility.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from the approval of the NHMP. The consultant costs related to this project were funded by federal Homeland Security grant funds. The submittal of the plan to FEMA enables the City to be eligible for FEMA mitigation project grant funding, as well as disaster relief and emergency assistance funding. To implement some of the projects outlined in the NHMP, funding sources will need to be identified. These funding sources may include grants, capital improvement funds, or other City funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
REGINALD I. HARRISON
DIRECTOR, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER