FEMA Approves Pawtucket-Central Falls Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Plan is the first multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan in the state.
PAWTUCKET – In the culmination of more than a year and a half of collaboration between the Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the Pawtucket-Central Falls Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is the first multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan in the state and aims to build upon existing local practices that may mitigate the local impacts of extreme weather events for both residents and critical infrastructure.
“What makes this plan so special is its multi-jurisdictional nature. No other cities in the state have taken this approach before, instead relying on individual municipal plans that end at city lines. With the new joint plan, the Cities of Central Falls and Pawtucket will be able to work together to much more effectively prevent or respond to any catastrophe,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I would like to thank Mayor Diossa for his efforts as well as all of the members of the Local Planning Team.”
“The Pawtucket-Central Falls Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is a unique arrangement amongst the two cities that will help prevent natural hazards that have the most likelihood to effect both of our communities,” said Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa.” As our two cities continue to collaborate, this will help to strengthen our communication by being able to be on the same page during catastrophes. I would like to thank Mayor Grebien and those associated in making this possible.”
Both cities have maintained Hazard Mitigation plans in the past, which are designed to mitigate loss of life and property in the event of catastrophe. All cities are required to make and update such a plan regularly. Creating the plan included input from both Cities’ Emergency Services and governments, the general public in 3 public input sessions, and multiple State Agencies.
The 2019 plan specifically identifies riverine flooding, urban fire, coastal storms, and extreme temperatures as natural hazards that have the highest potential to effect local residents in both communities. With these identified natural hazards in mind, city officials have focused on best practices to reduce overall risk. The plan outlines the natural and manmade hazards that have the highest potential to effect residents in both communities, and creating a concrete set of strategies to mitigate or even avoid the adverse effects of these events. This includes evacuation route planning, developing strategies to keep roads clear, and creating preventative building codes that lower the cost of making Pawtucket and Central Falls’ historic industrial sites safer during development.
These new initiatives are intended to complement existing city programs like local cooling centers in the summer months and large-scale sewer capacity improvements. This approved plan also maintains Pawtucket and Central Falls eligibility for various state and federal grant programs to support non-emergency related projects.
With Federal approval, the plan can go into effect in the event of an extreme emergency. Plans are usually updated every few years. For more information and a copy of the full plan, visit
https://www.jamiecaplan.com/projects/pawtucket-central-falls.