By ABBEY KUNKLE
Special to the PRESS
In the event of a disaster, cities often look to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for aid. To maintain eligibility to receive FEMA funds in times of need, cities are required to prepare an updated Hazard Mitigation Action Plan every five years. For this round, 10 Valley cities, including the Laguna Madre cities South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Laguna Vista, have teamed up with consultants at H2O Partners to prepare an up-to-date action plan.
The City of Los Fresnos has taken the lead on the project, teaming up with SPI, Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, Bayview, San Benito, Indian Lake, Primera, Rancho Viejo and Rio Hondo. Successfully obtaining a FEMA grant in the amount of $78,750 with a local match of $26,250 split between the 10 cities, Los Fresnos was able to apply for consulting services and selected H2O Partners, who have extensive experience with FEMA, to assist with the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Consultants Rachel Andrews and Heidi Watson joined the SPI City Council last week to solicit public input and to give a presentation on their efforts so far.
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