The State of Utah has an established comprehensive, multi-faceted state hazard mitigation
program. This section of the plan discusses the state’s hazard management policies, programs,
capabilities, and funding sources to mitigate the hazards identified in Chapter 4. True success in
reducing the statewide risk to all hazards requires strong collaboration among state agencies,
federal agencies, and local and tribal governments. State mitigation initiatives are integrated
with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs and are designed to focus
federal and state programs in support of local mitigation capacity building. State mitigation
planning is integrated with other state agency efforts as well as other state and regional
planning initiatives.

The 2023 update process provided an opportunity for the SHMT to provide an objective and
honest assessment of the state’s mitigation capabilities. In working with other state agencies,
partners, and local communities - both in the field through normal mitigation operations and
through organized mitigation plan data collection surveys and staff interviews - the SHMT was
able to gather information about mitigation successes and have important conversations about
the challenges and barriers to implementing mitigation plans and projects. This important
information about Utah’s mitigation capabilities is organized into sections outlining the state’s
legal framework, integrated planning, funding, mitigation programs, and local mitigation
programs, concluding with a section discussing the overall challenges and opportunities of
mitigation in the state.

The ESHMP must demonstrate, in order to be approved as an “enhanced” plan state, a
commitment to implementing a comprehensive mitigation program. This means discussing
actionable and tangible steps to advance (1) Statewide programs, initiatives, and plans that
advance mitigation and resilience, (2) mitigation training and capability building, and (3) support
local hazard mitigation plan development. A synopsis of these elements, and a location of where
they are further discussed in the plan is noted in the following table. While much work is still
needed to advance resilience, the State of Utah has detailed areas for additional effort in
mitigation actions in Chapter 7.