Riverhead joins countywide survey to update hazard mitigation plan

Riverhead is taking part in a countywide update of the Suffolk County Hazard Mitigation Plan and is urging residents, business owners, and community members to complete an online survey by February 20, 2026. The town is collaborating with Suffolk County’s Office of Emergency Management on the multi-jurisdictional effort, which feeds into the county’s push to meet federal planning standards and preserve eligibility for mitigation grants.

The town’s February 3 press release explains the purpose of the update: “A Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a community’s plan for reducing the long-term risk from disasters before they happen, not just reacting after.” The release adds that the plan “identifies hazards, assesses risk and vulnerability to the public, homes, infrastructure, and potential impacts,” and that it “recommends actions such as improving drainage systems and elevating or flood proofing buildings just to name a few.” Local input gathered through the survey will inform that assessment and the prioritization of projects.

At the county level, the update is funded in part through federal BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) resources. Suffolk County accepted a FY2023 BRIC award of $360,939 to support preparation of the multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan and to satisfy the requirements of 44 CFR Part 201. The Suffolk County Legislature’s resolution notes that “The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval of the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan is required for Suffolk County to maintain its eligibility for hazard mitigation grant programs and other federal disaster recovery resources.” The resolution also authorizes the County Executive to take steps to implement the 2025 plan and execute related agreements, and identifies the Legislature as lead agency under SEQRA.

For Riverhead residents, the practical stakes are clear: an approved HMP is a prerequisite for many FEMA hazard mitigation grants. Town officials frame the survey as an opportunity to document local vulnerabilities and shape which mitigation projects are prioritized. Riverhead’s participation also aligns with the town’s broader planning work; the Town Board accepted a Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, which includes a chapter on “Sustainability and Resilience” and calls for policies balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Those seeking more information or the survey should check the Town’s News Flash section or contact the Office of the Supervisor. Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin is listed in the town header. Press inquiries for the Riverhead release are being handled by David Cote, Legislative Aide, at (631) 727-3200 ext. 655. The town’s municipal offices are at 4 West Second Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 and the release indicates the survey link will be posted to the town website.

Public response over the next weeks will shape the county’s multi-jurisdictional submission and could influence which resilience projects move forward with federal support. Residents who want local mitigation projects to be considered should file their experiences and priorities through the survey before the Feb. 20 deadline.