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Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

2025 South Tahoe Public Utility District and Lake Valley Fire Protection District Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 

 

Background 

The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) are working together to update their Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). This federally required plan identifies natural hazards, assesses risks, and outlines strategies to protect our community from disasters like wildfires, floods, and droughts. Updated every five years, the MJHMP keeps participating jurisdictions like STPUD and LVFPD eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state grants, while serving as a blueprint for protecting lives, property, and the environment. 

What is Hazard Mitigation? 

Hazard mitigation refers to proactive actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risks from natural hazards. Rather than just rebuilding after a disaster, hazard mitigation aims to break the cycle of damage and costly recovery. 

Examples include: 

  • Improving infrastructure to withstand wildfires or floods 
  • Updating building codes to reflect modern risks 
  • Preserving open space to reduce flood impacts 

When local governments and agencies plan ahead, we create stronger, safer, and more resilient communities that can better weather future disasters.  

Why this Matters? 

Mitigation is an investment in a community’s future safety, sustainability, and resiliency. Studies show every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 in disaster costs. By planning ahead, we reduce the impact when disasters strike, keeping our community safer and more resilient. 

How does this benefit South Lake Tahoe? 

Hazard mitigation planning allows residents, business owners, elected officials, special districts, and municipalities to think through how to plan, design, build, and establish partnerships for risk reduction. Hazard mitigation can also benefit a community or a special district by: 

  • Protect public safety and prevent injuries. 
  • Safeguard homes, businesses, and future development. 
  • Preserve our unique economy, culture, and natural environment. 
  • Speed recovery and minimize downtime after disasters. 
  • Lower disaster response and recovery costs. 
  • Support infrastructure upgrades and open space preservation 

For STPUD and LVFPD specifically, the plan update will: 

  • Keep us eligible for critical FEMA mitigation funding. 
  • Increase public awareness about local risks and safety actions. 
  • Align policies and programs to reduce vulnerability to all hazards. 
  • Build strong partnerships with community groups and stakeholders. 
  • Expand strategies to include education, regulations, and innovative projects. 
  • Guide prioritization and implementation of effective mitigation actions. 

What is Next? 

From 2025 to 2026, STPUD and LVFPD will follow a clear, step-by-step planning process—guided by FEMA and expert consultants—to update the MJHMP. Together, we’re making South Lake Tahoe safer, stronger, and ready for the future. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

We want to hear from you—our residents, customers, businesses, community groups, and local stakeholders! 

Your input is a vital part of updating the MJHMP for the STPUD and LVFPD. A Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) will guide the planning process, but broad community involvement is key to ensuring the plan reflects local needs and priorities. 

Ways to Participate! 

  • Take the Public Survey! Share your thoughts on the natural hazards that impact our region and how we can better mitigate them. The survey will be open until November 30, 2025. 
  • Attend our Public Workshop – Learn more about the plan and provide feedback when the updated MJHMP is anticipated to be ready for public review and comment. 
  • Stay Informed – Check this webpage for updates and announcements.  

Why Your Voice Matters: 

Community participation ensures the updated plan is: 

  • Informed by real experiences and local knowledge. 
  • Supported by STPUD customers and community members. 
  • Practical, effective, and ready to be implemented.