Post Disaster Redevelopment Plan (PDRP)
In order to better prepare for the aftermath of a major or catastrophic disaster caused by a natural incident, Alachua County is developing a long-term, post-disaster redevelopment plan. For this effort, the scope of the planning area will consist of the whole of the County to include its municipalities.
As a first step, a vulnerability study is needed to asses our assets at risk in the planning area, including an inventory of structures. In addition, the plan shall address environmental issues, relocation and mitigation policies, rebuild policies, funding sources and education components. The plan will focus on long-term redevelopment after a major disaster, but should also include a proactive section with recommended pre-disaster actions, as well as establishing short-term response measures regarding land use decisions for the siting of temporary housing and solid waste management.
The plan will consist of the following elements:
- A vulnerability study for the planning area
- A communication plan including facilitation of a series of meetings for public outreach to include community, regulatory and governmental stakeholders
- The Plan shall address the following major issues:
- Pre-disaster actions
- Short-term response actions (temporary land use decisions)
- Governmental coordination
- Economic issues
- Environmental issues
- Social issues
- Redevelopment issues
- Compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
There are many reasons to develop a PDRP and even more to maintain and implement it. Alachua County is vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, including flooding, hurricane-force winds and tornadoes. Hurricanes have hit Alachua County, as witnessed by the 1896 No Name Hurricane. The County's Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) details these risks and identifies pre-disaster projects to mitigate hazard impacts.
While coastal counties are required to develop these plans, Alachua County has chosen to do so as a best practice and good business sense.
A PDRP would build upon these efforts by developing a strategy for achieving a faster and more disaster-resilient long-term recovery. A disaster, while tragic, can also create opportunities to better the community. As we watch the continuing recovery of the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina, it is clear that having an organized, planned approach to dealing with long-term recovery before a disaster strikes puts communities in a better position to more rapidly recover in a sustainable manner.
During this process there will be many opportunities for the public to participate and provide input. If you would like to participate in the Stakeholder Group, ask a question or make a comment on the process, or be emailed about upcoming meetings, please email Emergency Management at acem@alachuacounty.us or call 352.264.6500.