County Council Approves Updated Mitigation Plan

Posted On: August 6, 2025

The Volusia County Council has approved the revised Local Mitigation Strategy Plan, ensuring continued eligibility for critical federal disaster mitigation funding programs.

The plan, originally established in 1998, is designed to create more disaster-resistant communities throughout Volusia County by coordinating mitigation efforts across the county and all municipalities. The comprehensive strategy addresses flooding, storm surge, wind resistance, infrastructure hardening, and emergency power supply improvements.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations require the plan to be reviewed and updated every five years. The County Council previously adopted versions in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

"This plan is essential for protecting our residents and maintaining our eligibility for federal pre-disaster mitigation, hazard mitigation, and flood mitigation assistance grants," said Emergency Services Director Aaron Van Kleeck.

The updated plan was developed through Volusia Prepares, a collaborative working group involving county and municipal representatives, along with public, private, and nonprofit organizations. While adoption doesn't create financial obligations for participating jurisdictions, failure to adopt would disqualify them from receiving federal disaster mitigation funding.

The strategy provides protective information to local officials, residents, and businesses while safeguarding the area's population, property, infrastructure, economy, environment, and quality of life.

The entire Local Mitigation Strategy and supporting documents are available for review upon request. Contact the Emergency Management Division at 386-254-1500.