SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

Albany, NY
Monday
March 8, 2004
11:00 a.m.
Legislative Office Building - 2nd Floor
Roosevelt Hearing Room C

Disaster preparedness and emergency response are issues of great importance at the federal, state and local levels of government and have been highlighted by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Local emergency first responders provide the initial response to emergency situations. The preparedness level of such first responders has an unequivocal and direct impact on disaster mitigation and recovery.

September 11th highlighted the need for a new level of training, communication and cooperation. Since 9/11, the federal government and New York State have provided a number of resources to train and equip local emergency first responders, enhance communication interoperability, and increase cooperation among first response entities. It is important that the State review the effectiveness and impact that such resources have in preparing local emergency first responders to respond to emergencies.

Several reports have been issued highlighting the need to ensure first responder preparedness. These reports raised the concern that local emergency first responders have not received adequate support or funding.

Senator Clinton conducted a survey of New York municipalities in order to assess whether federal funds earmarked for local homeland security needs were received by affected communities. The results, issued in an October 2003 report, indicate that of the 52 communities that responded to Senator Clinton's survey, only three received funding through the FFY 2003 program.

On September 17, 2003, the U.S. Conference of Mayors issued a report, "Tracking Federal Homeland Security Funds sent to 50 State Governments" which found that very few cities had received federal funding for local preparedness programs. A recent follow-up report found that while some additional cities have received FY 2003 funding, the majority of cities have still not received funding. By the end of 2003, more than three out of four survey cities had not received funding through the federal First Responder/Critical Infrastructure program.

The purpose of this hearing is to examine the preparedness of local emergency first responders to respond to disaster by providing a forum for New York's first responders to discuss training, equipment and recruitment levels. It will also provide a forum to identify the continuing needs of the local emergency first responder community.

Please see belowside for a list of subjects to which witnesses may direct their testimony.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who many have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

1. What planning and training have your organization conducted to assist in the prevention, preparedness and response to emergency and/or disasters? What levels of training are available to your organization? How have training standards impacted the preparedness of your organization? How have they impacted the recruitment and retention efforts of your organization?
2. Are sufficient levels of equipment and equipment instruction available for your organization to be prepared to respond to an emergency or disaster? What resources are available to obtain the necessary equipment?
3. Is your organization prepared to prevent, respond to and mitigate hazardous material emergencies?
4. Describe the level of communication interoperability between your organization and other first responders. Describe the level of communication interoperability with state and local government entities.
5. What information has your organization received regarding the development of the statewide wireless network? Has your organization had any opportunity to provide input regarding the development of the statewide wireless network?
6. What resources and assistance are available to combat a public health threat?
7. Has your organization or community coordinated first response preparation and efforts with other organizations or communities?
8. Identify the greatest recruitment and retention challenges that face your organization.
9. In October 2003, Senator Clinton's office released the results of a survey of New York communities that found that critically needed federal funds are not reaching local communities and first responders. Has your organization been successful in receiving federal funds earmarked for first responders?

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Emergency First Responders are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to:

Cheryl Couser
Senior Policy Analyst
Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Phone: (518) 455-4355
Fax: (518) 455-4128

I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required: