Trenton, New Jersey Signs Agreement To Become Disaster-Resistant Community Under New FEMA Initiative
Release Date: April 9, 1999
Release Number: R2-99-03
TRENTON, N.J. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today formally designated Trenton, New Jersey a Project Impact community. This designation is a national effort to change the way America deals with disasters by shifting the focus of emergency management from responding to disasters to taking action in advance of disasters that reduce potential damage.
"We've got to change the way we deal with disasters. We have to break the damage-repair, damage-repair cycle," said FEMA Regional Director Lynn G. Canton. "I commend the City of Trenton for making the commitment to get the community and businesses working together to reduce the costs and consequences of disasters."
"The City of Trenton is pleased to be New Jersey's pilot city for this important initiative," said Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "Through a model partnership effort, we have brought together businesses, non-profit agencies, community groups and state and local officials to create a pro-active plan that will make our city resistant to disasters and one of the safest in the state."
Under the terms of agreement signed today, FEMA will provide up to $500,000 in seed money for disaster resistant actions. The partners in this initiative are the City of Trenton, FEMA, the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management, businesses, non-profit organizations and other government agencies.
The funds awarded to the City of Trenton will be used for mitigation projects that are designed specifically for this community. They include:
- Flooding
Reduce economic impact of periodic flooding on the Assunpink Creek and seasonal flooding of the Delaware River; improve management of the Delaware/Raritan Canal; reduce general street flooding; and better utilize the National Flood Insurance Program by participating in the Community Rating System.
- Technological
Improve communication and coordination between governmental units, residents and employers concerning access and egress routes within the City during emergencies; develop evacuation plans; develop school emergency plans; and address infrastructure vulnerabilities.
- Severe Weather
Improve communications, planning and coordination among all levels of local, county and state government during the annual snow/ice events and any type of natural disaster.
- Fire
Reduce the number and severity of fires in row-homes and vacant buildings by implementing community-based programmatic measures and capital improvements.
- Geographical Information System
Implement a Geographical Information System to facilitate emergency planning and inter-agency coordination.
The City of Trenton also received a FEMA hazard mitigation grant in the amount of $323,714 to acquire properties and demolish structures that are in a flood-prone section of the city and maintain it as open space in perpetuity.
There are currently 118 communities and more than 600 businesses nationwide participating in Project Impact.
Last Modified: Thursday, 08-Jan-2004 13:44:07