DICKINSON — The Stark County Emergency Management Department hosted its second public planning session for its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires counties to maintain and update their hazard mitigation plans every five years to remain eligible for federal grants.

To streamline resources and increase cooperation, Stark, Dunn, Billings and Golden Valley counties have joined to create a joint hazard mitigation plan.

Stark County Emergency Manager Alaynea Decker confirmed that once the plan is finalized, it is sent to the state and then to the federal government for final approval.

Decker also said local communities must vote to formally adopt the plan or risk losing access to federal funding.

“Without this approval, a

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