JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – Chautauqua County invites all residents and stakeholders to participate in a Visioning Workshop for the Countywide Resiliency Plan. The Workshop will take place on Thursday, July 16th from 5:00-6:30 PM at Prendergast Library (509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701).
The Countywide Resiliency Plan (CRP) is a voluntary planning initiative that helps Chautauqua County and its communities identify and prepare for climate-related risks and natural hazards, such as flooding, extreme heat, and severe storms. As part of New York State Department of State's Smart Growth Countywide Program, the Plan will assess local vulnerabilities and develop strategies to strengthen the County's ability to withstand, recover from, and adapt to future natural hazard events. The CRP will establish practical actions to protect critical infrastructure, economic centers, natural resources, and community networks that are essential to maintaining quality of life and supporting recovery after hazard events. Beyond simply restoring what exists today, the Plan aims to help communities “bounce back” from and thrive in the face of increasingly severe climate impacts.
The Community Visioning Workshop on July 16th will begin with a presentation at 5:00 PM, followed by an interactive poster gallery session. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the project team, contribute to the CRP's vision statement, identify key resiliency challenges and opportunities, and share local knowledge that will help guide future strategies and actions. All are welcome, and attendees may drop in at any time throughout the event.
Residents who are unable to attend the Workshop in Jamestown are encouraged to participate in one of two alternative ways:
1. A satellite viewing location will be set up at the SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation and Economic Development (214 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048). Attendees at the satellite location will be able to watch a live broadcast of the workshop and interact with county staff.
2. An online participation option is also available by joining the live Zoom Webinar. Please join online here (preferred): bartonandloguidice.zoom.us/j/81782811252, or call in by phone:
• New York: +1 (646) 518 9805
• Philadelphia: +1 (267) 831 0333
• Webinar ID: 817 8281 1252
• International numbers available: bartonandloguidice.zoom.us/u/kdA9yGsnmz
If you would like more information about this event or to make an accessibility request, please reach out to gdesantis@bartonandloguidice.com.
As Chautauqua County develops its Countywide Resiliency Plan, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the recently updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which are now in a 90-day public review and appeal period. These updated maps incorporate new topographic data, engineering analyses, and flood risk information to provide a more accurate picture of flood hazards across the county. The maps will play an important role in future floodplain management, development decisions, and flood insurance requirements, making public participation especially valuable. Community members are encouraged to review the proposed maps, discuss any concerns with their local municipal officials, and submit eligible comments or technical appeals through their municipality before the review period closes. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
For more information on the Countywide Resiliency Plan, visit the project website to learn more, stay up-to-date, and sign up for project notifications: bandl.mysocialpinpoint.com/resilient-chautauqua-county.
This Press Release was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State’s Smart Growth Countywide Program under Title 3 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
