Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan
about the project
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) recently completed the 2025 Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). An HMP is a community-guided document that identifies vulnerability to hazards and mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate this vulnerability. Having an approved and updated plan enables participants to be stronger and more resilient by:
- Reducing risk and impacts from disasters,
- Gaining eligibility for pre- and post-disaster mitigation grants, and
- Building partnerships within the NRD.
The planning area for the Upper Big Blue NRD HMP included the counties of Hamilton, Seward, and York. Members of communities, schools, fire districts, and other jurisdictions within the NRD were invited to participate in this process by attending meetings and providing information for the plan.
Approved 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan
FEMA and NEMA have approved the 2025 Upper Big Blue NRD Hazard Mitigation Plan. The sections of the plan can be downloaded below.
Hamilton County Appendix – Includes profiles for Aurora, Giltner, Hampton, Hordville, Marquette, Phillips, Stockham, and Hamilton County.
Seward County Appendix – Includes profiles for Beaver Crossing, Bee, Cordova, Goehner, Milford, Pleasant Dale, Seward, Staplehurst, Utica, and Seward County.
York County Appendix – Includes profiles for Benedict, Bradshaw, Gresham, Henderson, McCool Junction, Waco, York, and York County.
Fire Districts Appendix – Includes profiles for Aurora Rural Fire District, Cordova Volunteer Fire Department, Giltner Volunteer Fire Department, Henderson Fire & Rescue, Milford Volunteer Fire Department, Utica Volunteer Fire Department, and Waco Rural Fire Protection District.
Special Districts Appendix – Includes profiles for Aurora Public Schools, Milford Public Schools, Seward Public Schools, Upper Big Blue NRD, and York Public Schools.
Appendix A – Regional Risk Assessment
Appendix B – Planning Process Documentation
Appendix C – Planning Area Profile
Appendix D – Mitigation Strategy
Appendix E – Hazard Mitigation Project Funding Guidebook
Appendix F – Guide to Review and Update the Hazard Mitigation Plan
general resources
- Upper Big Blue NRD
- Residential Tornado Safe Room Program
- Drought Monitor
- National Weather Service
- National Centers for Environmental Information
- Hamilton County Emergency Management
- Seward County Emergency Management
- York County Emergency Management
- Nebraska Emergency Management
- FEMA VII: Mitigation
