Discussion and possible action regarding approval to apply and submit for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, DR-4029-TX HMGP, with authority for County Judge to sign the required documentation.

The current Hazard Mitigation Action Plan “Cover the Border” initiative FY2008 - FY2013, is set to expire in August/September of 2013. This plan was first developed in coordination with the Rio Grande Institute, TAMIU, H2O Partners, and the LRGVDC in FY2008. This plan included fourteen counties along the Rio Grande Border. Due to new state requirements individual County Plans will be preferred for all new plans.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation funds have become available to update the current plan. Our region received an invitation to apply for funding to create a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hidalgo County from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Office.

This Plan addresses a broad range of natural and man-made hazards that may impact border jurisdictions and is designed to help ensure the protection of citizens within this region. It is also designed to ensure that the region will sustain fewer losses and recover more quickly when confronted by such disasters that will inevitably occur. This plan is also intended to:

· Minimize disruption following a disaster;

· Streamline disaster recovery by articulating actions to be taken before a disaster strikes to reduce or eliminate future damage;

· Serve as a basis for future funding that may become available through grant and technical assistance programs offered by the State or Federal government. The plan will enable participating jurisdictions to take advantage of rapidly developing mitigation grant opportunities as they become available and;

· Ensure that participating jurisdictions maintain their eligibility status for the full range of future Federal disaster relief. Since November 01, 2004, certain forms of Federal mitigation assistance for projects are available only to those jurisdictions that have a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Action Plan.