ELLSWORTH – Pierce County, like the rest of the State of Wisconsin, is vulnerable to a variety of disasters. Counties across Wisconsin incur disaster-related damages every year and the financial cost of these disasters can be catastrophic to local communities. Many losses can be reduced through mitigation activities. It is estimated that every dollar spent on mitigation saves $2 (often more) in damages avoided. In this way, hazard mitigation aims to break the cycle of damage and repair.

Mitigation is taking actions that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. These preventative actions can be as simple as elevating a furnace in a basement that sometimes has water on the floor. Mitigation can also have a comprehensive approach such as relocating buildings out of a floodplain or strengthening critical facilities to prevent wind damage and provide stronger shelter.

To better prepare Pierce County to manage its vulnerability to disasters, Pierce County Emergency Management (PCEM) partnered with the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) and applied for and received a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) update planning grant. The goal of this grant is to complete an approvable plan update, which will serve as a roadmap that outlines potential effective hazard mitigation activities, some of which may be available for future grant funding.

The plan outlines the risks and vulnerabilities that the county faces from natural disasters and highlights mitigation strategies that might reduce future losses. The initial completed draft of this hazard mitigation plan update is now available for review and public comment at the PCEM office, 555 W Overlook Drive, Ellsworth, until Sept. 16, 2024.

There will be two public meetings to review highlights of the plan and receive comment from the public and other stakeholders on Aug. 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Residents, business owners, and public officials may participate in person at the County Emergency Management Office or join these meetings virtually via the link posted on the county website and the PCEM Facebook page.

Submitted by Pierce County Emergency Management