Letter to David Robertson, Executive Director, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Letter

In response to the two natural disasters that struck the National Capital Region recently, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) have asked the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to conduct a meeting on emergency preparedness with the region's elected and public safety officials to ensure that they have the best possible information on how to protect the public from and respond to large scale disasters in a coordinated way.

In a letter dated yesterday to the regional planning organization, Wolf and Hoyer said they believe it "would be extremely beneficial for local and state government officials as well as public safety officers to participate in a meeting to revisit emergency response plans for natural disasters and terrorist attacks, including evacuation procedures."

Wolf has pushed other efforts to improve the nation's preparedness for natural disasters this year. In March, he worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to hold a conference for tsunami preparedness for state and local leaders on the East Coast. A similar conference is scheduled for West Coast officials on Friday, October 21, in Seattle, Washington.

A copy of the letter sent by Wolf and Hoyer is available below and at wolf.house.gov.

Mr. David Robertson
Executive Director
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
777 N Capitol St NE Ste 300
Washington DC 20002

Dear Mr. Robertson:

In the wake of the two natural disasters that struck the National Capital Region recently, we write to you today asking that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments undertake an effort to conduct a meeting on emergency preparedness with all regional elected and public safety officials to ensure they have the best possible information on how to protect the public from and respond to large scale disasters in a coordinated way.

As you know, the National Capital Region encompasses millions of residents and employees in a relatively small area. As we observe the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, we believe it would be extremely beneficial for local and state government officials as well as public safety officers to participate in a meeting to revisit emergency response plans for natural disasters and terrorist attacks, including evacuation procedures.

All elected officials take seriously their responsibility to protect the citizens of our region. As the regional planning organization, COG is best suited to conduct such a review. Please let us know if we can assist in this effort.

Best wishes,

Sincerely,

Frank R. Wolf Steny Hoyer
Member of Congress Member of Congress

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