Little Compton officials are looking for public comments as they update the town’s Hazard Mitigation and Flood Management Plan, as required by the federal government.

The plan, currently in its draft form, updates and expands the town’s 2018 plan and provides a mitigation strategy roadmap for the next five years. It was completed by a civil engineer and resilience planning consultant under the guidance of an advisory committee consisting of town staff, residents, business owners, conservation organizations and other stakeholders.

Town officials will solicit comments during a review period commencing next Friday, April 19, and ending Thursday, May 9.

The plan’s overall purpose is to strengthen Little Compton’s resilience to various natural hazards, including flooding and hurricanes. By understanding the potential threats from natural hazards and the effectiveness of mechanisms already in place, the advisory committee developed a mitigation strategy that capitalizes on the town’s strengths and improves or adds new capabilities to reduce the impacts of hazards and improve flood management.

Many Little Compton residents have already helped guide the draft update. Committee members received responses from 142 residents, business owners and other stakeholders to a public opinion survey in held last December through January 2024. All comments were reviewed and many of the suggestions have been incorporated into the 2024 draft.

Written comments and input on the plan can be submitted to Little Compton’s EMA Director Richard Petrin through May 7, at 1 p.m. Submit them either via e-mail to rpetrin@tlcri.com or drop them off at the Public Safety Complex with the following notation on the envelope: HM&FMP comments/input c/o EMA Director.

On May 9, the Little Compton Town Council will host a public hearing on the draft plan update.