Shrewsbury Adopts Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury officials have approved an updated plan intended to reduce the town’s risks from natural disasters and severe weather.

The Select Board voted Tuesday unanimously to adopt the town’s 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan identifies local vulnerabilities to flooding, winter storms, high winds and other hazards while outlining measures to protect residents, property and critical infrastructure.

The planning process began in September 2024 and included four meetings of a town Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee, stakeholder interviews and public outreach, according to the 2026 plan. Town department heads developed the update with assistance from Horsley Witten Group Inc.

A public survey conducted in spring 2025 received 39 responses. Respondents expressed the most concern about drought, extreme storms and winter storms, according to the plan. Their leading priorities included improving drainage and other public infrastructure, protecting wetlands to reduce flooding and helping vulnerable property owners make their properties more resilient.

The plan classifies winter storms, wildfires, hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and high winds among Shrewsbury’s higher-risk hazards. It also accounts for power and utility disruptions that can result from severe weather.

Local hazard mitigation plans must be updated and submitted for Federal Emergency Management Agency approval every five years to maintain eligibility for certain federal disaster assistance and mitigation grants, according to FEMA. Local adoption is required for that approval process but does not guarantee that the town will receive grant funding.

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