MGCCC develops pre-disaster mitigation plan with FEMA grant funds

With a grant provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is developing a multi-campus hazard mitigation plan to cover the college’s six campuses and centers. The plan, which will serve as the blueprint for helping make Gulf Coast more resistant to disasters, should be completed in the next few weeks. It impacts the college’s three traditional campuses (Perkinston Campus, Jefferson Davis Campus and Jackson County Campus), two centers (George County Center and West Harrison County Center), and the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center (AMTC).

The general purposes of the plan include the following:

• Protect life and property by reducing the potential for future damages and economic losses that result from natural hazards;
• Speed recovery and redevelopment following disaster events;
• Allow Gulf Coast to qualify for pre- and post-disaster grant funding;
• Demonstrate Gulf Coast’s firm commitment to hazard-mitigation principles; and,
• Comply with state and federal legislative requirements.

Federal legislation requires colleges to have a FEMA-approved hazard-mitigation plan to remain eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds following a presidentially declared disaster. The plan also keeps colleges eligible for a variety of pre-disaster grants.

Public input on the plan is requested. A copy of the draft plan is available by clicking here(PDF, 31MB.) Any comments on the plan can be submitted to John Shows at john.shows1@mgccc.edu.