MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail is pleased to announce that the Town of Marion has begun the process of developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan and would like to encourage community members to participate in a survey on public disaster preparedness.
A Hazard Mitigation Plan assists in identifying the community’s natural hazard risks and determining how to best minimize and manage those risks in order to lessen the damage done to the community by severe weather or other emergencies. Developing the plan will help the town increase education and awareness, as well as identify long-term strategies for risk reduction and cost-effective mitigation actions that focus resources on the greatest risk areas.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan also makes the town eligible for future federal and state mitigation grant funding. Funding opportunities may include upgrades to improve infrastructure and coastal resiliency such as culvert replacements, pumping station upgrades and road improvements for reduced flooding, as well as funding for projects following a disaster and more.
As part of the planning process, the town is asking community members to complete an online survey to gauge public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in the Town of Marion.
Click here to view the survey.
The survey includes questions regarding respondents’ experiences with natural hazards, their concerns regarding natural hazards and their opinions regarding mitigation strategies.
“Creating this plan allows the town to evaluate our hazards and vulnerabilities, and particularly develop strategies and identify projects that will improve our preparedness for natural hazards,” Town Planner Gil Hilario said. “Public opinion and feedback from the community on their experiences is an important part of the process, and we encourage everyone who lives, works or frequently visits Marion to complete the survey.”
Hard copies of the survey are available at the Town House near the Town Clerk’s Office and Planning Board, 2 Spring St. The drop folder for completed paper surveys is also at the Town Clerk’s Office. The survey is expected to take less than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey must be completed by Monday, May 24.
Questions regarding the survey or the Marion Hazard Mitigation Plan can be directed to Town Planner Hilario at 508-748-3513 or at ghilario@marionma.gov.
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