MARION — Town of Marion has begun the process of developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan and encourages community members to participate in a survey on public disaster preparedness.

A Hazard Mitigation Plan assists in identifying the community’s natural hazard risks and determining how to best minimize and manage those risks in order to lessen the damage done to the community by severe weather or other emergencies.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan also makes the town eligible for future federal and state mitigation grant funding. Funding opportunities for the town could include upgrades to improve infrastructure and coastal resiliency such as culvert replacements, pumping station upgrades and road improvements for reduced flooding, as well as funding for projects following a disaster.

As part of the planning process, the town has created an online survey to gauge public perceptions and opinions regarding natural hazards in the Town of Marion.

The survey can be found at https://www.marionma.gov/ under the “News” tab.

The survey includes questions regarding respondents' experiences with natural hazards, their concerns regarding natural hazards and their opinions regarding mitigation strategies.

"Creating this plan allows the town to evaluate our hazards and vulnerabilities, and particularly develop strategies and identify projects that will improve our preparedness for natural hazards," Town Planner Gil Hilario said. "Public opinion and feedback from the community on their experiences is an important part of the process, and we encourage everyone who lives, works or frequently visits Marion to complete the survey."

Hard copies of the survey are available at the Town House near the Town Clerk's Office and Planning Board, 2 Spring St. The drop folder for completed paper surveys is also at the Town Clerk's Office. The survey is expected to take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The survey must be completed by Monday, May 24.

Questions regarding the survey or the Marion Hazard Mitigation Plan can be directed to Town Planner Hilario at ghilario@marionma.gov or 508-748-3513.