Daniel Akaka: “I was dismayed and confused to learn that the President's fiscal year 2002 budget proposal would eliminate the Federal…”

“I was dismayed and confused to learn that the President's fiscal year 2002 budget proposal would eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, initiative, Project Impact. I draw my colleagues' attention to this nationwide program that works with cities and counties to help reduce the destructive effects of natural disasters because so many of their citizens have benefitted from these successful partnerships. The very first Project Impact designated community was Deerfield Beach, FL, which joined in 1997 in response to the devastating effects of hurricanes. Another pilot community, Seattle, WA, uses Project Impact funds to ensure an earthquake-resistant community by retrofitting school buildings and bridges, identifying zones of vulnerability, training homeowners, and reinforcing hundreds of Seattle-area homes. Seattle formed neighborhood disaster teams and brought in local businesses to help. It is important to note that Project Impact is a major reason why damage to Seattle during yesterday's earthquake was minimal.”