APWA Submits Comments Regarding Experiences with FEMA Disaster Responses

Dear Mr. Powers:

On behalf of the 32,000 members of the American Public Works Association (APWA), please find APWA feedback in response to your request for “Public Input on Experiences With FEMA Disaster Responses” to be considered by the FEMA Review Council (FEMA Review Council) established through Executive Order 14180, “Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency”.

As you know, the federal government emphasized the crucial role of public works through the enactment of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-8 in 2003 (which has since been superseded by Presidential Policy Directive-8 in 2011), recognizing public works professionals as first responders. Public works, with varying degrees of oversight, is responsible for many of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors. This is particularly relevant pertaining to emergency management and disaster mitigation, response, and recovery.

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