Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) received a matching grant to create a hazard mitigation plan through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP funds come to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a result of a presidentially declared disaster.

Hazard Mitigation is a sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from hazards. The college mitigation planning team is analyzing the natural hazards that could affect the college, and then will establish goals, policies, and procedures to mitigate the risks.

This process demonstrates WOSC’s commitment to reduce the risks to their students, staff and property from hazards. The mitigation plan not only serves as a guide to decision makers, but it also provides the college eligibility to apply for additional grant opportunities that could help fund future mitigation projects on campus.

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) is assisting the college with its hazard mitigation planning process. A public planning meeting is set for Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regent's Board Room at WOSC for the purpose of affording all interested parties the opportunity to participate. Public involvement is welcome through meeting participation, written or oral contribution or contacting the planning team chair, Bruce Wiese at 580-477-7736 or SWODA representative, Dana Church at 580-562-4882. For more news articles specific for southwest Oklahoma, visit www.swoda.org.