Sonoma Water Board approves updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

SANTA ROSA, CA | September 17, 2024

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Board of Directors on Tuesday approved an updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, reinforcing the agency's commitment to disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience and clearing the way to obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation funds.

The plan, which is updated every five years, reviews vulnerabilities in Sonoma Water's systems and outlines strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. It covers critical infrastructure including the water transmission system, sanitation zones, and flood protection facilities.

"This updated plan is crucial for our ongoing efforts to protect our water resources and infrastructure from natural hazards," said Chair David Rabbitt of the Sonoma Water Board of Directors. "It allows us to prioritize projects that enhance the resilience of our systems and ensure continuity of service for our community."

The updated plan includes an assessment of seismic, flood, fire, drought and geologic threats; incorporates the impacts of climate change on wildfire and flooding probabilities; analyzes vulnerabilities of Sonoma Water’s infrastructure to earthquakes, wildfires, and floods; and aligns with Sonoma Water's Climate Adaptation Plan and Strategic Plan goals.

The plan's approval maintains Sonoma Water's eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation grant programs. Since 2008, these programs have provided more than $16.9 million in funding for critical projects such as replacing aqueduct crossings at fault lines and installing isolation valves throughout the water transmission system.

The plan development process included public outreach and stakeholder engagement, with presentations to advisory committees and a public comment period.

For more information about Sonoma Water's hazard mitigation efforts, visit https://www.sonomawater.org/lhmp.

###
Media Contact
Stuart Tiffen
Sonoma Water Communications
stuart.tiffen@scwa.ca.gov
(707) 322-1223

###