§ 206.405 - Hazard mitigation plan.

(a) General. In order to fulfill the requirement to evaluate natural hazards within the designated area and to take appropriate action to mitigate such hazards the State shall prepare and implement a hazard mitigation plan or plan update. At a minimum the plan shall contain the following:

(1) An evaluation of the natural hazards in the designated area;

(2) A description and analysis of the State and local hazard management policies, programs, and capabilities to mitigate the hazards in the area;

(3) Hazard mitigation goals and objectives and proposed strategies, programs, and actions to reduce or avoid long term vulnerability to hazards,

(4) A method of implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan. Such evaluation is to occur at least on an annual basis to ensure that implementation occurs as planned, and to ensure that the plan remains current.

(b) Plan approach. Hazard mitigation plans should be oriented toward helping States and localities to develop hazard management capabilities and programs as part of normal governmental functions. All States are encouraged to develop a basic mitigation plan prior to the occurrence of a disaster, so that the basic plan can simply be expanded or updated to address specific issues arising from the disaster. At the time of a declaration, the Regional Director, in consultation with the State, shall determine whether a new mitigation plan is required as a result of the declaration, or whether an existing plan can simply be updated or expanded.

(c) Plan content and format. The specific content and format of a hazard mitigation plan or plan update shall be determined through guidance and technical assistance that the Regional Director provides to the State during the section 409 planning process. At a minimum, the plan or update must address the items listed in paragraph (a) of this section.

(d) Plan submission. All States shall submit a hazard mitigation plan or plan update on behalf of the State and any appropriate local governments included in the designated area. The plan or update is due to FEMA within 180 days of the date of the declaration. The Regional Director may grant extensions to this date not to exceed 365 days from the date of the declaration when adequate justification is received in writing from the State. Extensions beyond that date must be forwarded with justification to the Associate Director for approval.

(e) Plan approval. Upon receipt of a hazard mitigation plan or plan update, the Regional Director shall acknowledge receipt in writing to the Governor or appropriate agency. Written comments shall state whether the plan is approved, shall detail any shortcomings that may exist, and shall include a suggested method and timeline for correction if necessary.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control number 3067-0212)