Multi-Hazard and Mitigation Plan 2024 Update
"Over the last 18 months, MVPC has been working closely ten communities in the region to update the Merrimack Valley Region Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. These communities include Amesbury, Boxford, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. Hazard Mitigation Plans outline a long-term strategy to reduce loss of life and property by minimizing the impacts from natural disaster events.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that all communities in the country create a Hazard Mitigation Plan, and conduct a plan update every 5 years to ensure it remains relevant and active. The first Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Merrimack Valley was created in 2008, and updated again in 2016. We are actively working to conduct our second plan update, which will remain active from 2024-2029.
Having an active Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a number of benefits. Undergoing the planning process allows each community to conduct a comprehensive assessment of risk to understand what natural hazard events (winter storms, flooding, drought, etc.) are impacting their community to the greatest degree. The process also allows communities to identify a set of projects and actions they can advance over the next five years to minimize this risk. Lastly, having an active plan qualifies a community for federal funding which can be used to tackle projects both big and small to bolster community resilience to natural hazards. " - MVPC Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 2025-2030