Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The City of New Bedford is updating the 2016 New Bedford Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Why is this important?

About The Plan Update

What is Hazard Mitigation Planning?

Hazard mitigation planning enables municipalities to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural hazards and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events. Further information is available on FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Planning page.

A hazard mitigation plan should be considered a living document that must grow and adapt, keeping pace with a community’s growth and change. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA) places high priority on the continuation of the planning process after the initial submittal, requiring communities to seek and receive re-approval from FEMA in order to remain eligible for financial assistance.  

About The Plan Update

Integrating Equity


The Vision of NB Resilient is: “To make New Bedford a thriving, self-sustaining city that is physically, culturally, and economically secure and ready to implement innovative approaches to preparing for tomorrow’s possibilities.” 


We recognize that we cannot be truly resilient until we are all included in the mission to achieve the vision and New Bedford is committed to equity and ensuring that we connect with and share perspectives with all sectors of the community.

About The Plan Update

Process

The approach for this plan development is premised on four primary methods, all geared towards meeting the requirements of the DMA 2000 Public Law 106-390, October 10, 2000:

  • Planning Process—Outreach and Stakeholder Coordination
  • Risk Assessment—Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses
  • Mitigation Strategy— Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies
  • Plan Maintenance—Implementation, Evaluation and Revision/Update   

About The Plan Update

Know Your Zone!

See if your home or business is located in Evacuation Zones A or B using this interactive Evacuation Zone Map. Zones A (Red) and B (Yellow) are those areas with that may flood first from storm surge during a tropical storm or hurricane. Areas in Zone A would flood before areas in Zone B.

About The Plan Update

Steering Committee

New Bedford’s All Hazard Mitigation Planning process encourages public participation and will include several open meetings at times and locations to be announced. The core steering committee will include the following city and state agencies and community-based equity partners:




• Massachusetts Emergency Management AgencyCommunity-Based Equity Partners:
• City of New Bedford• NB Shannon Program
Emergency Management  
•  NB Cape Verdean Association
• City Engineer
•  NB Community Economic Development Center
•  Public Infrastructure
•  Old Bedford Village Economic Development Corp.
•  Resilience and Environmental Stewardship
•  Immigrants' Assistance Center
•  Planning/City Planner•  New Bedford Human Rights Commission
•  Conservation
•  Inspectional Services
•  Fire Dept
•  Police Dept
•  Emergency Medical Services
•  Housing and Community Development
•  Public Health
•  New Bedford Port Authority
•  Department of Facilities and Fleet Management
•  Mayor's Office
•  NB Public Schools
•  Chief Financial Officer
•  Public Information Officer

About The Plan Update

Contact Us for More Information

Michele Paul
City of New Bedford
Director of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship
Michele.paul@newbedford-ma.gov
(508) 979-1487                                                            

Craig Pereira
Horsley Witten Group, Inc.
Project Manager
cpereira@horsleywitten.com
(401) 263-6048

Brian Nobrega
Director of Emergency Management
brian.nobrega@newbedford-ma.gov
(508) 961-3060