Previous Story
Plan seeks to fortify NMI’s response to hazards
|
Posted on Jul 18 2004
Gov. Juan N. Babauta would issue a directive possibly today to formally adopt the CNMI’s Standards State Mitigation Plan, which outlines strategies to strengthen the Commonwealth’s response capability to natural and man-made hazards.
The anticipated adoption of the plan will enable the CNMI to seek federal grants under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other types of disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
The governor’s legal counsel, Steven Newman, said yesterday that the SSMP is expected to be adopted today. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires U.S. states and territories to develop an approved program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency by Nov. 1 this year.
The Emergency Management Office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among others, developed and finalized the plan. It required hazards analyses, risks and vulnerability assessments and development of mitigation strategies. The plan is in the process of being approved by FEMA.
The plan will ensure that the CNMI has the resources to safeguard public health, maintain public safety and protect real property from damage. Sometime in 2003, the CNMI had estimated over $1.42 million for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Newman said the governor wants the plan’s timely implementation after its adoption and approval by the FEMA.
