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VICTOR VALLEY WASTEWATER RECLAMATION AUTHORITY
Board Of Commissioners Staff Report

TO:	VVWRA Board of Commissioners
FROM:	Darron Poulsen, General Manager
SUBMITTED BY:	Latif Laari, Director of Engineering & Environmental Compliance
DATE:	05/28/2026
SUBJECT:	Recommendation to adopt Resolution 2026-09 approving the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).

Fiscal Impact	N/A
Account Code:
Funds Budgeted/ Approved:	No

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners adopt Resolution 2026-09 approving the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) (Exhibit 1)

PREVIOUS ACTION(S)

None

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires local agencies to prepare and adopt a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as a prerequisite for eligibility for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding. In October 2025, VVWRA retained Sturdivan Emergency Management Consulting, LLC to assist in the preparation of the Authority’s first Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Throughout the planning process, VVWRA staff collaborated closely with the consultant, member agencies, stakeholders, and regional partners to develop the LHMP in compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, including FEMA regulations. To preserve eligibility for federal funding opportunities, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other pre- and post-disaster assistance programs, the LHMP must be reviewed and updated every five (5) years.

The 2026 LHMP establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying hazards, evaluating vulnerabilities, and prioritizing mitigation measures to lessen the effects of natural caused hazards on VVWRA facilities, operations, and the communities it serves. The Plan incorporates updated risk assessment data, analysis of vulnerable infrastructure, mitigation strategies, climate resilience considerations, and procedures for ongoing maintenance and future updates.

The LHMP is intended to advance proactive planning efforts that reduce long-term risk, enhance infrastructure resilience, and strengthen VVWRA’s capacity to maintain reliable wastewater treatment services during and after emergency events. Adoption of the LHMP also reflects the Authority’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring continuity of essential services, and furthering its mission to protect public health and the environment.

Key components of the Plan include:

Risk Assessment: Identification and evaluation of major hazards affecting VVWRA, including flooding, drought, wildfire, earthquake, and windstorm events.
Vulnerability Analysis: Evaluation of critical infrastructure, including treatment plants, lift stations, and interceptor pipelines that serve the High Desert communities.
Mitigation Strategies: Development of prioritized actions to reduce risk, strengthen system resilience, and protect public health and the environment.
Climate Resilience: Inclusion of updated data and analysis related to climate change impacts, including increased flood intensity and prolonged drought conditions.
Plan Maintenance: Procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the Plan to maintain its effectiveness over time.

The LHMP emphasizes proactive planning to reduce long-term risk and strengthen VVWRA’s ability to maintain reliable wastewater treatment services before, during, and after emergency events.
Adoption of the LHMP also reflects the Authority’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, maintaining continuity of essential services, and advancing VVWRA’s mission to protect public health and the environment, while supporting strategic objectives related to infrastructure resilience, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the LHMP. However, adoption is necessary to maintain eligibility for federal and state hazard mitigation funding, which may help support future capital improvements and emergency response efforts.

Attachments

2026-09