The public is invited to review Lowcountry Council of Government's (LCOG) draft 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan for Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties and submit comments. Public comment will be available until Tuesday, June 16.

The plan provides a profile of the most common natural and man-made hazards in the four county region. It includes vulnerability indicators for identifying populations at greatest risk from the effects of those hazards while also identifying actions that can save lives, prevent major property damage and other losses caused by natural disasters.

Determining factors in the final plan include:

• hazard assessment
• vulnerability analysis
• a comprehensive community profile identifying those areas with population growth and increased density
• public involvement

Comments will be accepted until close of business Tuesday, June 16, and can be submitted using this link. 

Required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan “is the representation of the jurisdiction’s commitment to reduce the risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.” The plan must meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

The complete report can be viewed on the Lowcountry COG website.

For additional information regarding the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, please email cramm@lowcountrycog.org.