Jefferson County - East-West Gateway Coordinating Council

A Regional Overview All-Hazard Mitigation Plan
SECTION 3
County Capability Assessment
Mitigation Management Policies
The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency is charged with preparing for
disasters. That duty includes advising the County Commission on mitigation measures and
implementing those measures deemed appropriate by the Commission. In general, the
County’s policies encourage cooperation and coordination within the Jefferson County
agencies; as well as cooperation, including mutual aid compacts, between neighboring
counties and the municipalities within Jefferson County. The Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP) provides for an integrated countywide emergency preparedness and response plan,
utilizing public, nonprofit, and private resources.
Existing Plans
The County has recently completed the Jefferson County Official Master Plan with the
anticipation that it will be formally adopted in the near future. The Plan was developed to
provide the framework for planned supportable growth, including promoting best practice
policies relating to stormwater and floodplain management. The Plan identifies a Preferred
Growth Alternative, with the intent to “achieve a balance of growth with preservation of
existing natural features and protection of the rural character of the county.” In general,
growth will be targeted around currently developed areas, utilizing existing transportation
corridors and extending utility and transportation infrastructure in a logical and progressive
manner, thereby ensuring capacity to service new development.
The County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is approved by the County Commission.
The Plan identifies facilities and resources that require special security during a disaster;
promotes the development and maintenance of mutual aid agreements with nearby
agencies; requires participation in drills and exercises; identifies human and capital
resources available throughout the county for disaster response; and includes an
evacuation plan. The EOP includes hazard mitigation measures and a damage assessment
plan.
Mitigation Programs
The main mitigation programs are the County’s floodplain management regulations and
participation in and administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The
county coordinates with Mississippi River levee districts through the U.S. Corps of
Engineers. Additional programs include the following:
• The County’s floodplain regulations are aimed at restricting any new development in
the floodplain. The current ordinance requires two feet of additional freeboard for
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