The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Tuesday, 07 November 2023 09:57

Knox County hosts hazard mitigation plan public meeting

Flooded home FEMA

KNOXVILLE — Knox County Residents can participate in and provide input at an upcoming Hazard Mitigation Plan update meeting. The meeting is designed to empower community members and raise awareness about potential risks as part of the initial planning process. Community members are also invited to take part in a public survey to share insights on hazard concerns and preparedness.

The in-person public meeting will be held at 5:30pm on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the City of Knoxville Public Works Service Center, Community Room (3131 Morris Ave. Knoxville, TN 37909). The meeting will provide an overview of the plan’s purpose and gather feedback on changes or new information that should be incorporated into the plan. Anyone unable to attend in person can join virtually or share feedback through an online form.

Knox County, the City of Knoxville, and the Town of Farragut, in collaboration with contractor WSP Engineering, are taking significant strides to update the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan which bolsters disaster preparedness. An approved plan allows communities to apply for federal Hazard Mitigation Grants and access federal disaster relief funds allocated to the State for natural disaster mitigation. In the coming weeks, partners will be updating the 5-year plan, identifying common natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities in our area, and devising long-term strategies to protect both people and property from similar events. 

  • Repetitive flooding (property) mitigation
  • Repetitive flooding roadway improvement projects
  • Construction of regional detention basins
  • Dam Failure
  • Drought
  • Earthquakes
  • Expansive Soils
  • Extreme Temperatures
  • Flooding
  • Sinkholes / Land Subsistence
  • Landslides
  • Severe Storms
  • Tornados
  • Wildfires
  • Winter Storms

Knox County has developed procedures and / or policies that limit the potential for these natural disasters. For example, to limit the magnitude of the effects of flooding, Knox County requires an Elevation Certificate to be in place for all structures (see Floodplain Development Permits and Elevation Certificates) to guard against construction in flood-prone areas and to guard against construction impacting other properties that are close to flood-prone areas. 

For more information about Knox County’s hazard mitigation plan, floodplain management, or to inquire about these initiatives, please contact Eddy Roberts at 865-215-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Virtual Meeting Link for November 15th Public Meeting

Knox County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Public Survey Link

Last modified on Thursday, 16 November 2023 16:23