The 2023 - 2028 Colorado Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan is a mitigation plan for all Colorado state agencies that documents sustained, proven commitment to hazard mitigation. The plan acknowledges the coordinated efforts the state currently is taking to reduce losses, protect life and property, and create safer communities. The plan was approved by FEMA on December 18, 2023.
The plan demonstrates Colorado’s commitment to a comprehensive mitigation program focused on reducing risks from hazards and serves as a guide for state and local decision makers as they commit resources to reduce the effects of
hazards.
Plan Executive Summary
Hazard mitigation helps to reduce or eliminate potential losses from future disasters. Hazard mitigation planning helps to establish and maintain a process that leads to the implementation of hazard mitigation
actions. The State of Colorado is intimately familiar with the impacts of hazards on its residents, visitors, infrastructure, environment and economy. This 2023 update to the State’s Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan (E-SHMP) re-affirms the state’s commitment to continual improvements to its statewide mitigation strategy and program.
The hazard mitigation planning process began with the identification of a broad- reaching State Hazard Mitigation Team (SHMT), which helped to guide the development of the E-SHMP. The next steps involved a detailed identification of all natural hazards that can impact Colorado and an assessment of risk presented by those hazards. The next efforts included a thorough evaluation of the state’s current mitigation capabilities, followed by an update to the state’s mitigation strategy. This strategy identified eight overarching mitigation goals, and related mitigation objectives, that define Colorado’s path forward to implementing hazard mitigation.
- Minimize the loss of life and personal injuries from natural hazard events
- Reduce losses and damages to state, tribal, and local governments, as well as special districts and private assets, and support similar local efforts
- Reduce federal, state, tribal, local, and private costs of disaster response and recovery
- Support mitigation initiatives and policies that promote disaster resiliency, nature-based solutions, cultural resources and historic preservation and climate adaptation strategies
- Minimize interruption of essential services and activities
- Incorporate equity considerations into all mitigation strategies
- Support improved coordination of risk mitigation between and among the public, private, and non-profit sectors
- Create awareness and demand for mitigation as a standard of practice
These goals helped the SHMT to identify new and on-going mitigation actions that specific state agencies plan to implement over the next five years. The final and most important piece of the E-SHMP is defining the path forward. Through the planning process a clear procedure for implementation and maintenance has been defined.
The E-SHMP addresses each required element of 44 CFR § 201.4 and includes information required in 44 CFR § 201.5 to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “Enhanced” plan criteria. Pending continued approval of the “Enhanced” plan elements, Colorado will remain eligible for increased federal funding for state and local mitigation projects.
Accessibility and Accommodations of Plan
If you have questions about the accessibility of the plan or need accommodations to access information in the plan please contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer Mark Thompson.