The Palm Coast City Council has approved the updated Flagler County Local Mitigation Strategy, a move that keeps the city eligible for state and federal grants aimed at protecting infrastructure from floods, storms, and other disasters.
The Local Mitigation Strategy is a countywide plan developed through a collaborative effort led by Flagler County Emergency Management. Palm Coast and other municipalities participated in creating the strategy, which identifies community risks and prioritizes projects that help protect roads, utilities, public facilities, and neighborhoods from natural and man-made hazards.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management reviewed and approved the updated plan in January 2026. The strategy meets all state and federal requirements, including those outlined by FEMA and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Cities must adopt the plan to remain eligible for programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
City Manager Mike McGlothlin emphasized the importance of planning ahead for potential disasters. “This is about being proactive and prepared,” McGlothlin said. “By adopting the Local Mitigation Strategy, Palm Coast is positioning itself to compete for critical funding that helps protect our infrastructure, reduce long-term costs, and maintain the quality of life our residents expect.”
Palm Coast has already used Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to complete two projects strengthening the city’s wastewater system.
The city received $50,452.50 in federal funding, with a $16,817.50 city match, to install manhole dishes in flood-prone areas. These protective devices reduce the amount of water that enters the central sewer system during heavy rainfall, helping prevent the system from becoming overloaded and protecting overall wastewater operations.
In a separate project, Palm Coast secured $291,903.75 in federal funding, with a $97,301.25 city match, to install stationary generators and automatic transfer switches at five wastewater pump stations. The generators allow the pump stations to continue operating during power outages, significantly reducing the risk of sewage overflows during storms and emergency events.
Together, these two projects represent nearly $342,000 in federal investment supporting Palm Coast’s infrastructure resilience.
The Local Mitigation Strategy also supports Palm Coast’s floodplain management efforts and works alongside broader emergency management planning. This coordination ensures a strategic approach to reducing risks across Flagler County.
The post Palm Coast Adopts Mitigation Plan to Unlock Federal Disaster Funding for Infrastructure Projects first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
