Region III Partners With EPA Region III In Project Impact/Green Communities Initiative 

Release Date: December 20, 2000
Release Number: R3-00-35

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Philadelphia, PA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are joining together to teach communities how to enlist nature as a long-term ally to prevent flooding and drought.

Environmentally sustainable ways to prevent destruction from natural disasters include protecting wetlands, stream side restoration, preserving open space in flood plains, and landscaping with vegetatation and permeable surfaces like gravel, instead of concrete.

EPA Regional Administrator Bradley M. Campbell and FEMA Regional Director Rita Calvan today signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership between the two agencies. Administrator Campbell explained: "I am very pleased to sign this agreement combining resources and talents in EPA's Green Communities Program and FEMA's Project Impact. Working together, we can better serve communities which are taking action to reduce their vulnerability to flooding and drought."

Director Calvan said: "Project Impact is FEMA's initiative to assist communities become more disaster-resistant before disaster strikes. I am especially pleased that we can partner with EPA Region III, as communities need to be mindful of environmental protection and their disaster vulnerability when they strive toward sustainable development."

This partnership will help communities meet their local needs. Visit EPA's website for more information on the Green Communities program.

Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 13:57:05