Henderson County is moving forward in updating its Multi‑Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan, an important roadmap for reducing disaster risks and strengthening community resilience. The current plan, adopted in 2019, expires in 2026, and updating it is essential for maintaining eligibility for several FEMA funding opportunities.
“Holding an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan is a requirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” explained Cindy Brown, Henderson County Emergency Management and Zoning Officer. “This update ensures our county and local jurisdictions remain eligible for critical funding streams that support disaster preparedness and mitigation.”
To support this effort, Henderson County received a FEMA grant—administered through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)—to partner with University of Illinois Extension, which is facilitating the planning process.
The fourth and tentatively final public meeting will take place on:
📅 June 16 🕕 6:00 p.m. 📍 Henderson County Health Department, 208 West Elm St., Gladstone, IL
Residents, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate.
According to Russell Medley, University of Illinois Extension Educator, the meeting will review the countywide disaster risk assessment prepared by the Illinois State Water Survey, updated goals and objectives, and proposed mitigation projects submitted by local jurisdictions that may qualify for future funding.
“Part of this meeting will also focus on next steps,” added Brown. “We’ll discuss the process for finalizing the plan, securing local approvals, and preparing the final submission to FEMA.”
All Henderson County residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For more information about the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process, contact: • Cindy Brown – ema.zoning@hendersoncountyil.gov • Russell Medley – rmedley@illinois.edu
For details about Illinois Extension programs, call the Henderson County Extension Office at (309) 924‑1163.
Story from U of I Extension- Warren, Henderson, Knox, and McDonough Countyies
