A severe thunderstorm just before dawn on June, 2025, caused major flooding across the area including Sherburne, Norwich and Greene. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH - Chenango County is currently updating its hazard mitigation plan for local communities and seeking feedback. The report will be a resource for local governments to qualify for certain federal and state disaster funding in the future.

Chenango County is accepting public comments through June 5.

The county updates the plan every five years. Each municipality needs a current plan to apply for specific types of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, though not all FEMA programs require one, explained Shane Butler, Director of the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development.

Rather than have each town and village complete the process alone, the county compiled all the municipalities into a single plan, which Butler said saves money and draws on county staff experience, since many municipalities lack the capacity or funds to do the work themselves.

Participation is voluntary, only Pitcher opted out of the plan.

Butler said the process of creating the plan includes collecting local information and completing worksheets. He said the materials are reviewed and later presented for adoption.