Comment sought on hazard plan

SANDPOINT — The public is being asked to help shape Bonner County’s blueprint for dealing with natural disasters and other hazards.

The Bonner County Department of Emergency Management has released a draft version of the county’s all-hazard mitigation plan and is seeking public comment on the document.

Comments are due by April 15.

Wildfire, winter storms, flooding, hazardous-materials incidents, severe wind events, landslides and earthquakes are have been identified as hazards of top concern in Bonner County. The draft mitigation plan outlines goals, objectives and projects to mitigate such hazards.

The draft plan is available for viewing at public libraries in Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Priest River and Priest Lake. It’s also available at city halls in Dover, East Hope, Kootenai, Oldtown and Ponderay, and at the Blanchard Senior Center.

The plan can also be viewed online at http://206.127.65.86.bonnercopdm/index.htm

The plan’s development was funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Once the plan is finalized, it will be adopted by Bonner County and the incorporated cities, which can clear the way for FEMA mitigation grant funding.

The FEMA grants would be used to help pay for mitigation projects identified in Bonner County’s plan.

Comments should be directed to Bob Howard, Bonner County Department of Emergency Management, 4100 McGhee Rd., Sandpoint, ID. 83864. Remarks can also be e-mailed to bhoward@co.bonner.id.us