County, WCI partner on hazard mitigation
News | Published on February 3, 2026 at 4:09pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
In 2023 the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners established the Hazard Mitigation Project Assistant Grant Program, utilizing funds to help communities throughout the county. The goal is to reduce the long-term risk to human life and property resulting from severe winter and summer storms.
Outdoor warning siren and generator projects were awarded in 2024 to the cities of Pelican Rapids and New York Mills.
Fergus Falls-based West Central Initiative (WCI) approached Otter Tail County’s Emergency Management Department, expressing interest in supporting the program with a contribution of $30,000. County Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko sought and received approval from the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27.
“This donation will ensure that more projects can be funded, leading to a measurable reduction in long-term risks to human life across Otter Tail County,” Waletzko said.
Cedar Walters of WCI, director of climate and sustainability programs, also addressed county commissioners on Jan. 27 and said her organization is utilizing lessons learned from this current collaborative endeavor.
“We hope that this marks a first step in working together with Otter Tail County and broadening our impact,” Walters said. “We also look forward to working with other area counties in supporting community preparedness and resilience.”