Public Hearing: Transform386 action plan for disaster recovery.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County is taking significant strides towards recovery and preparedness for future disasters following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian through the Transform386 Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) initiative by hosting a public hearing on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the County Council Chambers, located at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Avenue in DeLand.

A series of informative public meetings facilitated by Volusia County were held throughout July and early August to enlighten residents about the Transform386 initiative. Moreover, community members were encouraged to participate in an unmet needs survey, enabling them to report the damage sustained from Hurricane Ian and propose projects for recovery and future disaster mitigation.

The scheduled public hearing aims to urge the community to participate in the decision-making process by allowing them to provide their thoughts on the action plan developed under the Transform386 initiative. Notably, the event will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person, and viewers can submit their comments during the session. The link to the virtual meeting will be available ahead of the hearing on the official Transform386 website https://www.transform386.org.

According to a release, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Volusia County an impressive $328.9 million in CDBG-DR funds to drive the comprehensive Transform386 initiative. This transformative program seeks to spearhead the county's recovery, revitalization, and preparedness in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian's extensive destruction. With a focus on community engagement and resilience, Transform386 promises to chart a path toward a more resilient future for Volusia County.

"The data has been received, analyzed, and compiled into an action plan outlining our community's needs, recovery strategies, and how we can better protect ourselves from future disasters. We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming hearing, review the proposed plan, and share their valuable comments and feedback," said Dona Butler, representing the county's Office of Recovery and Resiliency, expressing the significance of community engagement in the process. 

For those interested in reviewing the action plan draft, physical copies are available at any Volusia County Public Library branch, on the third floor of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, or online at https://www.transform386.org.

Residents have until Tuesday, September 5, to submit their comments on the action plan. Residents can send their feedback via email to transform386@volusia.org or mail to: Volusia County Government, Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, ATTN: Office of Recovery and Resiliency, 123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 300, DeLand, FL 32720.