Hunt County officials are addressing a critical issue regarding the county's hazard mitigation plan, which is essential for securing federal disaster funding. During the recent Commissioners Court meeting, discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining an updated hazard mitigation plan every five years. Failure to do so could result in significant financial losses for the county and its municipalities in the event of a presidentially declared disaster.

For the past decade, the Council of Governments (COG) has facilitated the development of this plan at no cost to local cities, requiring only their participation in public meetings and information gathering. However, some municipalities, including Celeste, Hawk Cove, and Union Valley, did not participate in the last plan, risking their eligibility for federal assistance during disasters.

Emergency management officials emphasized that without a current plan, communities would be ineligible for federal funds following disasters, which could have dire consequences. The county has successfully navigated past disasters, such as the severe flooding in 2007, thanks to its proactive approach to hazard mitigation.

The meeting underscored the need for all municipalities to engage in the planning process to ensure comprehensive coverage and access to vital resources. As the county prepares for the next iteration of the hazard mitigation plan, officials are urging local governments to collaborate and participate actively, reinforcing the message that the cost of inaction could be far greater than the effort required to join the plan.