Lummi Nation Is First In Nation In Hazard Mitigation
Department of Homeland Security Approves Lummi Nation Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Release Date: June 2, 2004 Release number: R10-04-102

SEATTLE, Wash. -– Officials from the Department of Homeland Security will formally recognize the Lummi Nation as the first tribal government in the nation to receive official approval for its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Monday, June 7, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the Tribal Center on the Lummi Indian Reservation (2616 Kwina Road, Bellingham). According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, such plans, while optional for tribal governments, will soon be required for all State governments in order to qualify for Stafford Act assistance during Presidentially–declared disasters.

"The Lummi Nation's Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is the first plan in the Nation to meet the new federal requirements mandated by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K)," said Pennington. "Their full compliance qualifies the Lummi Nation for direct federal disaster assistance during federally-declared disasters, including Public Assistance (damage to infrastructure), Individual Assistance (damage to homes) and Hazard Mitigation funds to reduce future damage. Since they went the 'extra mile' and submitted their plan as a Standard State Plan, they now have the option of applying for assistance direct to FEMA, or of applying through the state of Washington. They are way ahead of the game."

Lummi Nation Chairman Darrell Hillaire agrees. "Our Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plan represents another step in our effort to create a hazard-resistant home for our people and others who have chosen to live within our homelands," said Hillaire. "It was a lot of work – and even though we started out with a solid flood damage reduction plan that we were able to build on, this approval represents over a year of hard work. Our plan is basically a blue-print for reducing the impact of future natural disasters – protecting tribal citizens and their property, protecting tribal property, and assisting our neighboring communities in time of need."

Under the provisions of DMA2K, States must have an approved Standard State Mitigation plan by November 1, 2004 in order to receive federal (Stafford Act) assistance following federally declared disasters.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and administers the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.