Protecting the Homeland/Community Preparedness
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Issue:
Numerous pieces of legislation and billions of dollars have addressed various homeland security and community preparedness issues, especially on the heels of the unanticipated, multiple events that affected the Gulf Coast. A major effort is needed to establish or fund planning on a multi-county basis. Emergency and contingency response plans do not lend themselves to development by a single jurisdiction. Experience has shown that it will take the coordinated efforts of numerous jurisdictions to successfully protect America’s cities and counties, and the metropolitan and rural areas of the nation. A network of more than 500 regional councils of government, planning commissions and development districts throughout the country covering more than 35,000 of the 39,000 local governments are readily available to develop strategic assessments and plans for protecting the homeland and assuring communities are prepared for unanticipated events. Emergency response to manmade or natural disasters does not lend itself to a block grant approach. Funding needs to be apportioned to states based on identified potential terrorist targets and on tendency toward natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. Many lessons have been learned from the multiple events that have changed and affected the lives of millions of people in communities and regions throughout the nation.
Background:
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 and other catastrophic events, like the recent events along the Gulf Coast in 2005, the National Association of Regional Councils has either surveyed or been in contact with regional councils of government, planning commissions and development districts to determine their actions to pull together the necessary players to develop a regional emergency response strategy. Many regional councils and metropolitan planning organizations have effectively responded and are still activly engaged in the many and diverse response activities. These responses have been shared with Congress, the Office of Homeland Security and the White house. Some of these activities have been showcased in NARC publications. NARC has worked with Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., who introduced the Regional Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness, Response and Coordination Act of 2003.
Recommendations:
The National Association of Regional Councils recommends that Congress:
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Recognize the network of regional councils as a means of accomplishing regional collaboration throughout the country and support regional approaches in developing regional emergency response plans by passing legislation that includes the use of regional organizations where regional councils are not available to assess potential threats, identify existing equipment, assess equipment needs and develop
strategic emergency response to terrorist attacks and natural disasters; -
Require that all disaster strategies – including chemical, bio-terrorism, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE -- be incorporated into a regional strategy;
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Require states to pass-through a percentage of the 80 percent local funding for regional homeland security to develop security assessments and plans to include upgrades in GIS or other programs or equipment needed in the development of these plans;
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Recognize the unique needs of multi-state regions
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Provide funding to states on the basis of identified needs;
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Require states to promptly disperse planning, equipment and training funds to local governments and their first responders consistent with local and regional needs assessment; and,
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Should involve NARC in discussions to restructure the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
NARC Policy:
The National Association of Regional Councils and its member councils of government, planning commissions and development districts urge Congress to pass legislation supporting regional coordination in planning for disaster response. In a time of increasing budget constraints due to international priorities, coordinated planning and needs assessments should be utilized to determine the areas of greatest need. Regional councils (councils of government, planning commissions and development districts) are already in place. They have extensive planning expertise, including natural disaster mitigation. These regional organizations maintain necessary statistical information about the region, and have the ability and experience to bring all necessary players to the table. Regional councils have a long history of successfully managing billions of dollars in federal, state and local funds. They have existed for more than 30 years in most states, and some were formed more than 50 years ago. The timeless and flexible value of these regional organizations is a testament to their ability and a track record unmatched by any other organizations.
Contact: Ella Rusinko, Policy Director - Click to Email or call 202.986.1032 Ext: 215