Project Impact

On December 10, 1998 FEMA Director, James Lee Witt, announced that the tri-county region, Charles, St. Mary's and Calvert counties, was selected as a Project Impact Community. This designation allowed the region to receive grant funding of $300,000 to establish a Project Impact Initiative for the Southern Maryland region.

What Does It Take To Build A Disaster Resistant Community?

• Planning
• Education
• Regulation and Prevention
• Communication
• Resources
• Coordination
• Assessment
• Testing
• Evaluation

How can I become involved in the Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative?

Project Impact is an on-going, long-term, sustained effort between various partners committed to reducing the effects of natural disasters in their communities. Anyone who has an interest in creating a safer, stronger community is invited to participate. The Project Impact Initiative has established the following committees:

• Steering Committee: Oversees the implementation of the program
• Public Disaster Education & Awareness Work Group: Develop a long-term, strategic, all-hazard public awareness campaign
• Data Integration Tool Development: Develop and maintain an integrated, digital database for the southern Maryland region
• Infrastructure and Mitigation Committee: Develop a hazard mitigation strategy to identify mitigation projects and, where possible, estimate the cost of eligible projects throughout Southern Maryland.

What is the goal of the Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative?

The Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative is working towards coordinating the emergency management planning and response activities of the three county governments in cooperation with the Patuxent Naval Air Station, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Baltimore Gas and Electric, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington Gas, and the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. Through this joint effort the Project Impact Initiative is committed to mitigating against and preparing for disasters. The Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative recognizes that in order to reach this goal it is necessary to establish long-term local public and private partnerships. These partnerships will benefit the community by providing positive change in how our region addresses local natural disasters. It is a long-term effort, which requires long-term commitment by partners.

What is the Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative?

The Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative is a federal and state initiative designed to help communities become "disaster resistant." The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland coordinates the project for the region.

Who are the Federal and State Agencies involved in the Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the State Hazard Mitigation Policy Team recommended the tri-county region for inclusion in the FEMA program. These agencies provide necessary technical and financial resources to the Southern Maryland Project Impact Initiative.

Updates and events

• Project Impact news updates
• Project Impact Speakers Available
• News Article written by Nancy Bromley McConaty
• TRACK III Pushing the Envelope Workshop
• Non-Federal FCW Inspection Guides (Appendix E)