Benton County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan

Benton County Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (MNHMP)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines mitigation as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event.” The Benton County Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan was developed in an effort to reduce future loss of life and damage to property resulting from natural hazards.

By developing and maintaining an approved Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan we also stay compliant with State and Federal law and remain eligible to apply for pre-and post-disaster funding.

It is impossible to predict exactly when natural hazards events will occur, or the extent to which they will affect the community. But with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and community members, it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from natural hazards.

In July 2016, the Board of Commissioners formally adopted the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. The NHMP update began late 2022, earned State and Federal approval by early-2024, and was adopted April 2024 by the Benton County Board of Commissioners.