In a recent meeting of the Hunt County Commissioners Court, officials discussed the critical need for an updated hazardous mitigation plan, which is essential for securing federal funding to protect the community from disasters. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced in the planning process, particularly the requirement for approval from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

County representatives noted that TDEM often requests modifications to submitted plans, making the approval process lengthy and complex. This ongoing challenge underscores the importance of having expert guidance in navigating the requirements for these plans.

A significant development emerged during the meeting: the county plans to apply for a grant of up to $100,000 from the Texas General Land Office. This funding is aimed at enhancing the county's disaster preparedness efforts. To facilitate this application, the county intends to collaborate with a private company that specializes in writing hazardous mitigation plans. This company is led by a former expert from the Council of Governments (COG), who has extensive experience in this area.

The decision to seek external assistance is expected to streamline the grant writing process and improve the county's chances of securing the necessary funds. This initiative reflects the county's commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of its residents in the face of potential disasters.

As the county moves forward with this plan, it aims to bolster its emergency management strategies, ultimately benefiting the community by enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. The next steps will involve finalizing the grant application and working closely with the private firm to meet TDEM's requirements effectively.