County seeks public comment on hazard mitigation plan

The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency is asking for public comment on the final draft of the county’s pre-disaster hazard mitigation plan. 

In a press release published June 1, county officials announced the agency will seek feedback through an online survey until June 15. Residents can find a link to the survey at maconbibb.us/ema.

“We want to know what information — such as threats, hazards and vulnerabilities — the public has identified that we haven’t,” EMA Deputy Director Robert McCord told The Melody in May.

The 339-page draft assesses potential hazards ranging from natural disasters to terrorism. According to the document, 66 people participated in initial surveys starting in January. More than half of the respondents noted concerns over communications systems, severe weather and infrastructure failures.

“This process is really helping us gauge our community’s preparedness level, develop better training and create more specific plans,” McCord said in the press release. “Everyone’s voice should be heard and be part of making our community more prepared for future disasters.”

The county elicited more public feedback from an April 6 meeting. 

Agency officials wrote they will mostly focus on “high” and “moderate” priority hazards. Earthquakes were the only hazard ranked as low priority. According to EMA’s risk assessment, communications failure, thunderstorms and hazardous materials are the highest priority concerns.

The plan lists nearly 150 new or ongoing mitigation projects from various agencies, which add up to about $48 million in total. The largest of these is the Bibb County Board of Education’s estimated $8 million update to public school facilities. The county also plans to spend $5 million on mobile generators and $3 million on new tornado sirens.

Additionally, the Macon Water Authority will oversee several major storm-related plans, with goals of updating the county’s water pumps, drainage systems and floodwalls.