March 23, 2017

CLARK COUNTY WASHINGTON

BOARD OF COUNTY COUNCILORS Marc Boldt, Chair

Jeanne E. Stewart, Julie Olson, John Blom, Eileen Quiring

The Honorable Jaime Herrera Beutler U.S. Representative 3rc1 Congressional District 2350 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congresswoman Herrera Beutler:

cla r l< .wa .gov

1300 Franklin Street Pb Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 360.397.2232

We are writing to express our concerns about the proposed budget cuts to the Homeland Security FEMA grants to State and local agencies, as indicated in the America First- A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

The President's stated goal "to reprioritize Federal spending so that it advances the safety and security of the American people" is a worthy and appreciated goal.

However, the proposed grant cuts in the Department of Homeland Security~ have very significant financial impacts on both our Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) and on the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization, our Bi-State Emergency planning organization and these effects on our agencies would be contrary to the President's stated goals.

Clark County relies heavily on FEMA grant funding from the Federal source which is distributed to states for local agencies through the State of Washington. The Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization relies heavily on the Homeland Security UASI grant dollars.

Local level advance planning for regional emergency, such as earthquake, flood, volcano, landslides and other natural or manmade disasters, saves lives and speeds community recovery. It is estimated that for every $1 spent in pre-disaster mitigation and advance planning, approximately $3 is saved in Federal recovery costs.

Please maintain the FEMA grant funding to states and local agencies in the Department of Homeland Security budget.

~ Marc Boldt, Clark County Council, Chair

- £ p;::;;;:,...,__-~~-

eanne E. Stewart, Councilor District 1, RDPO Chair

March 23, 2017

ClAIRK COUNTY WASHINGTON

BOARD OF COUNTY COUNCILORS Marc Boldt, Chair

Jeanne E. Stewart, Julie Olson, John Blom, Ei leen Quiring

The Honorable Patty Murray Washington State Senator 173 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Murray:

ciarl<. wa.gov

1300 Franklin Street PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 360.397.2232

We are writing to express our concerns about the proposed budget cuts to the Homeland Security FEMA grants to State and local agencies, as indicated in the America First- A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

The President's stated goal "to reprioritize Federal spending so that it advances the safety and security of the American people" is a worthy and appreciated goal.

However, the proposed grant cuts in the Department of Homeland Security will have very significant financial impacts on both our Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) and on the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization, our Bi-State Emergency planning organization and these effects on our agencies would be contrary to the President's stated goals.

Clark County relies heavily on FEMA grant funding from the Federal source which is distributed to states for local agencies through the State of Washington. The Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization relies heavily on the Homeland Security UASI grant dollars.

Local level advance planning for regional emergency, such as earthquake, flood, volcano, landslides and other natural or manmade disasters, saves lives and speeds community recovery. It is estimated that for every $1 spent in pre-disaster mitigation and advance planning, approximately $3 is saved in Federal recovery costs.

Please maintain the FEMA grant funding to states and local agencies in the Department of Homeland Security budget.

Marc Boldt, Clark County Council, Chair

Jeanne E. Stewart, Councilor District 1, RDPO Chair

March 23, 2017

ClARK COUNTY WASHINGTON

BOARD OF COUNTY COUNCILORS Marc Boldt, Chair

Jeanne E. Stewart, Julie Olson, John Blom, Eileen Quiring

The Honorable Maria Cantwell Washington State Senator 511 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Cantwell:

clark.wa .gov

1300 Franklin Street PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 360.397 .2232

We are writing to express our concerns about the proposed budget cuts to the Homeland Security FEMA grants to State and local agencies, as indicated in the America First- A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

The President's stated goal "to reprioritize Federal spending so that it advances the safety and security of the American people" is a worthy and appreciated goal.

However, the proposed grant cuts in the Department of Homeland Security will have very significant financial impacts on both our Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) and on the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization, our Bi-State Emergency planning organization and these effects on our agencies would be contrary to the President's stated goals.

Clark County relies heavily on FEMA grant funding from the Federal source which is distributed to states for local agencies through the State of Washington. The Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization relies heavily on the Homeland Security UASI grant dollars.

Local level advance planning for regional emergency, such as earthquake, flood, volcano, landslides and other natural or manmade disasters, saves lives and speeds community recovery. It is estimated that for every $1 spent in pre-disaster mitigation and advance planning, approximately $3 is saved in Federal recovery costs.

Please maintain the FEMA grant funding to states and local agencies in the Department of Homeland Security budget.

Marc Boldt, Clark County Council, Chair

eanne E. Stewart, Councilor District 1, RDPO Chair