JACKSON – Thanks to a new Hazard Mitigation Plan, adopted by the Northampton County Board of Commissioners here last week after a Public Hearing regarding the measure, every town within county limits will now be eligible for state and federal disaster relief funding.

Recently, the county revised a plan for Hazard Mitigation, as suggested by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, for submission to state and county departments to be reviewed for feedback.

In 1988, all but three municipalities (Garysburg, Rich Square and Seaboard) submitted flood damage prevention ordinances for the Board’s approval in the event of a disaster.

However, in order to ensure future coverage eligibility through the National Flood Insurance Agency, the county was required to enlist the cooperation of all its municipalities.

After the county experienced repeated damage from hurricanes including Floyd, which stuck the area in 1999 most recently Isabel in 2003, municipalities realized the importance of establishing a Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Upon the suggestion of Paul Black of Upper Coastal Plain Council of Government, the document was adjusted from its generic form to a more specific outline in order to help identify, prioritize and mitigate potential and real hazards that could affect Northampton County.

&uot;In the event of a declared disaster,&uot; said Northampton County Manager Wayne Jenkins, &uot;we want the county to remain eligible for State and Federal Funds.&uot;

The plan will be subject to periodic review and revision as new data and information becomes available and as mitigation strategies evolve and its measures are achieved.