By Matt de Simone
Fincastle Town Council unanimously adopted the updated regional hazard mitigation plan during its Feb. 12 meeting, held in the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department training room.
The plan, presented by Amanda McGee, director of community development for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, is required by the federal government and allows localities to apply for certain pre-disaster mitigation grants.
Fincastle is included in the regional plan through Botetourt County, along with other member governments served by the commission.
McGee told council the updated plan replaces the previous version that expired in September 2024. Work on the update began that same month and was completed in early 2026, ahead of the typical two-year timeline.
The document includes an overview of the region, a history of natural disasters, risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Hazards assessed include flooding, wind events, winter storms, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, geologic hazards, wildfire and high-hazard potential dams. McGee said flooding and wind events ranked as the highest risks for both the county and the town, based on available data.
Public input played a role in shaping the plan. A regional survey conducted in March 2025 received 251 responses. Flooding was the most commonly reported hazard experienced by residents, followed by winter weather and wind events. McGee noted that wind has become an emerging concern across Virginia, with recent fatalities in the region linked to straight-line winds.
For Fincastle, short-term projects identified in the plan include acquiring a trailer-mounted generator with quick-connect capability and evaluating utilities for floodproofing. Medium-term projects include assessing the wastewater treatment plant for hazard vulnerabilities and studying stream bank restoration in town.
Mayor Mary Bess Smith asked to review the town’s short- and medium-term project list during the presentation. Council member Ed Bordett asked for clarification on what stream bank restoration would involve.
McGee said the project could include clearing channels and adding riprap or large rock to stabilize eroding banks and maintain water flow, particularly near the intersection of U.S. 220 and Blacksburg Road. A citizen commented on erosion and flooding concerns along the stream that runs parallel to U.S. 220, including potential impacts to farmland and utilities.
Town officials noted that portions of the stream extend beyond town limits into Botetourt County and said they would coordinate to ensure the broader watershed is addressed. McGee added that once the plan is adopted, projects can be amended more easily if needed.
Following discussion, Smith read the resolution of adoption aloud. Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution, formally adopting the updated regional hazard mitigation plan.
McGee said the town has already applied for funding to purchase the generator and expects to move up in the queue now that the plan has been adopted.
In other business, Town Manager Melanie McFadyen presented her monthly report.
Council approved a recommendation to continue Scott Critzer’s service on the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Planning Commission also has begun work on the town’s 2026 comprehensive plan update. McFadyen said the update will not be a full overhaul but will include public surveys and opportunities for community input.
Council discussed this year’s Earth Day event, scheduled for April 25 in partnership with the local library. Organizer Bess Madonna currently seeks additional sponsorships and donations to support expanded programming.
McFadyen reported that the town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application was not selected for funding this cycle, but the existing plan remains valid and can be resubmitted.
The town’s annual fireworks show is scheduled for July 5, with a rain date of July 11.
Council also elected officers for the calendar year, naming Jim Reynolds as vice mayor and Pam Binns as treasurer.
The next meeting of Fincastle Town Council is March 12. For more information, visit the town’s website at townoffincastle.org.
