Franklin, Bellingham Share Grant to Update Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Town of Franklin has announced that it has received a $30,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office (FFIO) within the Executive Office for Administration & Finance (ANF). The grant is a joint award with the Town of Bellingham and will support updates to both communities' Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Hazard mitigation planning is a proactive process that helps communities identify strategies to reduce risks from natural hazards before disasters occur. Updating the plan will help ensure Franklin remains prepared for future emergencies while maintaining eligibility for certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

“As Franklin’s Hazard Mitigation Plan is nearing its expiration in 2027, I’m thrilled that the town has been awarded the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Grant," said State Representative Jeffrey Roy. "A Hazard Mitigation Plan is important for communities to reduce disaster risk and strengthen long-term resiliency. The money that this grant provides to update the current plan will allow us to take a step forward in protecting residents’ safety in the event of an emergency." Roy added.

"Updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan is an important step in helping Franklin prepare for future natural hazards and the impacts of a changing climate," said Planning & Community Development Director Morena Zelaya. "This grant allows us to evaluate current risks, engage the community in the planning process and identify strategies that will help protect our residents, infrastructure and community resources for years to come."

The updated plan will assess Franklin's vulnerability to flooding, high winds, winter storms, brush fires, geologic hazards, extreme temperatures and drought. It will also examine the impacts of climate change and identify actions to strengthen community resilience.

The project will be completed in coordination with the Town of Bellingham as part of a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) project. Federal law requires municipalities to update their Hazard Mitigation lans every five years to remain eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation funding.

Franklin's current Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted in 2020. The updated plan will incorporate the latest hazard data, assess changing risks and identify mitigation strategies for the years ahead.

Residents will have opportunities to provide input during the planning process. Additional information about public engagement opportunities will be shared as the project progresses.