The updated Knox County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan outlining projects and activities to reduce damages caused by severe weather and other natural hazards will be available for public review and comment starting January 26, 2023. The plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available on the City of Galesburg’s webpage. The comment period will remain open through February 9, 2023.
If you are unable to access the plan via the website, a paper copy of the plan will be available for review at the Knox County Courthouse, County Clerk’s Office, 200 South Cherry Street in Galesburg from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays the courthouse is open. Public comments received will be used to make any revisions needed before the plan is submitted to the Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies.
The Knox County All Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee has been conducting working meetings open to the public since October 2021. The Committee prepared this plan with technical assistance from state and federal agencies as well as a consultant specializing in emergency management planning.
The municipalities of Abingdon, Altona, Galesburg, Knoxville, Maquon, Wataga, and Yates City, as well as Carl Sandburg College, Knox College, Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service, Henderson Fire Protection District (FPD), Rio FPD, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, have participated in the planning process.
“This plan describes how the County and the participating jurisdictions have been impacted by severe weather and other hazards and identifies specific mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce damages to people and property before events occur,” explained Chief Randy Hovind, Knox County EMA Coordinator.
A public forum will be held at the Galesburg City Hall Council Chambers, 55 West Tompkins St., Galesburg from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Individuals can still review the plan and provide comments without participating in the public forum.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
