MAPA to assist with Mills Co. Disaster Resiliency Planning

MAPA will provide assistance with disaster resiliency planning in Mills County, Iowa, following the 2019 flooding which impacted communities in the county. This project will be funded by a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Iowa Economic Development Authority by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and includes disaster resiliency planning in Fremont County, Iowa, too.

The project will result in the development and integration of comprehensive disaster assessments and resiliency plans for Mills and Fremont Counties.  The project will help identify future land for commercial use, business growth and sustainable community development.

“We are thrilled this much-needed work will be happening,” said Carol Vinton, Mills County Supervisor and MAPA Board of Directors Vice-Chair. “It is very important in helping us plot a course forward, to not only help Mills County recover from the devastating floods of 2019, but help it thrive economically for years to come.”

It’s anticipated that disaster resiliency planning will be begin in late Summer or early Fall 2020 and will last about two years.

Among its work, MAPA will coordinate outreach efforts, facilitate local meetings, act as the point of contact between local, state and federal entities and provide plan coordination, review and input in regards to established plans including local comprehensive plans, the county hazard mitigation plan, the Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) Long Range Transportation Plan, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and the Heartland 2050 Regional Plan.

Once completed, the project will bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private investment and create jobs throughout the region.