The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) has recently made updates to the Houghton County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Hazard mitigation is any action taken before, during or after a disaster to eliminate or reduce the risk to human life and property from natural, technological, or human-related hazards. The plan’s purpose is to identify hazard risks throughout the county and to become better prepared for them.

The draft of the Houghton County 2020-2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will be available through Jan. 2, 2020 for public review and comment prior to plan adoption by all local governments at regular meetings. A formal public hearing will also be held at a County Board meeting to be announced.

Copies of the plan draft will be available at WUPPDR (400 Quincy St.) in Hancock and at the Portage Lake District Library (58 Huron St.) in Houghton, and online at www.wuppdr.org.

Written comments will be considered by WUPPDR in cooperation with Houghton County and local governments, as appropriate. Comments must be received by Jan. 1, 2020 and may be mailed to WUPPDR, 400 Quincy St., 8th Floor, Hancock, MI 49930 or emailed to Rachael Pressley, Assistant Regional Planner, at rpressley@wuppdr.org.