Hanover Approves Hazard Mitigation Plan for FEMA Grant Eligibility

HANOVER — The Hanover Select Board has officially adopted an updated hazard mitigation plan, a critical step in maintaining the town’s eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants aimed at disaster preparedness and infrastructure improvements.

The plan, which was last updated in 2018, identifies potential risks such as flooding, nor’easters, and hurricanes while outlining strategies to minimize damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The update was developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and has been approved by both the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA, pending local adoption.

Fire Chief Jason Cavallero emphasized the importance of the plan in securing future disaster relief funding.

“The Stafford Act actually, to get technical about it, requires state and local jurisdictions to adopt a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible for certain types of disaster mitigation funds and grant funding,” Cavallero said.

The updated plan includes assessments of the town’s most vulnerable areas and potential projects to mitigate disaster-related risks. Officials noted that while the plan does not require the town to take immediate action on every item, it provides a framework for future improvements.

“It’s really just a plan in place that identifies natural hazards, it assesses them, and then it comes up with a strategy and promotes future planning and then future projects to try to reduce or eliminate the loss of life or property loss due to those hazards resulting from natural weather events,” Cavallero explained.

Flooding Remains a Top Concern

Among the key risks highlighted in the plan is flooding, particularly in areas such as King Street Bridge and Rockland Street near Shaw’s, which have experienced high water levels during major storms. Officials have identified the need for culvert improvements in these areas to better manage stormwater runoff and prevent road closures.

“This identified some of the maybe not so well-known flood risks that the town has and some of the areas that are vulnerable to flooding,” Cavallero said.

Beyond flooding, the plan also assesses wind damage, power outages, and other severe weather events, allowing town officials to prioritize projects that will strengthen Hanover’s resilience.

Path to Implementation

While the hazard mitigation plan lays out potential improvements, funding for many of these projects will depend on securing FEMA and state grants. With the plan’s approval, the town is now positioned to apply for financial assistance for key infrastructure projects.

Town officials stressed that having an updated and approved hazard mitigation plan is a prerequisite for receiving federal aid. Without it, Hanover would not be eligible for certain grant programs that help cover the costs of storm preparedness and post-disaster recovery.

Select Board members voiced their support for the plan, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning in protecting the town’s residents and infrastructure.

More information about the hazard mitigation plan and future project funding opportunities will be made available on the town’s website in the coming weeks.

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