Frequently Asked Questions
The Local Mitigation Strategy
Cities and Counties Working Together to Develop a Single, Unified Local
Mitigation Strategy
The Florida Department of Community Affairs will assist counties and municipalities to develop a single, unified Local Mitigation Strategy for their community. This will be in the form of funds that will be individually calculated to match each community's vulnerability in terms of repetitive loss, population, risk and mutual aid participation.
In accepting these funds, counties and municipalities agree to develop a unified Local Mitigation Strategy based on the Local Mitigation Strategy Guidebook produced by the Department. In addition, counties and municipalities agree to attend Local Mitigation Strategy workshops and technical assistance training sessions sponsored by the Department.
FAQ - Table of Contents
1. Why should counties and municipalities coordinate to develop a single, unified Local Mitigation Strategy?
By coordinating to develop a unified Local Mitigation Strategy, cities and counties will:
2. What resources, other than funding, will be offered to Local Mitigation Strategy participants?
The Department will provide training, workshops and materials to local governments to begin the development of a Local Mitigation Strategy. The Department is also developing several Local Mitigation Strategy tools to help reduce costs following a natural disaster, including a computer model that will generate hazard vulnerability data. In addition, this Agency will continue to identify and/or directly provide funding opportunities to local governments to further refine their local mitigation strategy, through a new initiative, the Resource Identification Strategy (RIS).
3. As a city, if I choose not to work with the county, may I still receive Local Mitigation Strategy funds?
No, you will not receive Local Mitigation Strategy funds. The Department will offer awards to all of Florida's 67 counties that include pass-through funds for each city within the county. The County is obligated to offer an award and sub-contracting agreement to each city to participate in developing a single, unified local mitigation strategy.
4. As a city, can I subcontract the development of my portion of the Local Mitigation Strategy?
Yes, cities can choose to participate in the Local Mitigation Strategy development themselves, or subcontract the services to a third party.
5. As a city, can I decline this funding and allow the County to do the work for me?
If a city declines the funding, the County may receive partial funding to perform a vulnerability assessment for the City. Although there is no obligation to accept this funding, declining the funding essentially deprives the City of the benefits of the Local Mitigation Strategy.
6. Will there be only one contract per county?
Yes, all counties except the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) funded counties will receive Local Mitigation Strategy funds under one contract. The counties partially funded with the FMAP funds will receive a second contract to supplement that award.
7. As a county, will I have to manage all of the city contracts?
Yes, the Department has allocated additional funds to your county's award for each city under contract. These additional funds include coordinating expenses that will be incurred by the county in the administration of these sub-contracts. In addition, staff will be available at the state level to assist in the coordination of these activities.
8. Will the county Emergency Management Director administer the funds?
Not necessarily. The County can determine who or what agency would be best suited to administer the Local Mitigation Strategy funds.
9. Will pre-identifying my mitigation projects hurt my chance for funding in a post-disaster environment?
No, pre-identifying mitigation projects enhances opportunities for post-disaster funding as federal funding sources give priority to those projects that have been pre-identified.
10. How will the development of a Local Mitigation Strategy affect my local Comprehensive Plan?
The development of a local mitigation strategy does address certain local comprehensive planning provisions or Rule 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), relating to hazard mitigation and post-disaster redevelopment planning. Relevant portions of the Local Mitigation Strategy can be adopted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 163, Florida Statues, and Rule 9J-5, F.A.C. at the local government's discretion. Failure to produce a Local Mitigation Strategy will not be used to determine that a local government's comprehensive plan is not in compliance with State law. The Department will be providing technical assistance materials relating to comprehensive planning issues as a supplement to the Local Mitigation Strategy Guidebook.
Still have questions or comments? Send an e-mail to keith.delhomme@dca.state.fl.us.
The Florida Department of Community Affairs looks forward to working with you in the administration of your Local Mitigation Strategy in the coming months. Our staff will be available to you at any time to assist in the successful implementation of this strategy. You will also be receiving more detailed information on the strategy and its benefits. Please plan to attend our regional workshops and technical assistance sessions scheduled for your area in the Spring of 1998. [ E-Mail for more information. ]