WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) today introduced the National Emergency Centers Establishment Act of 2010, a bill to address shortcomings in the federal response to national disasters and terrorist attacks – specifically, in the areas of training and logistic facilities and housing for temporarily displaced persons. The bill would create National Emergency Centers, including a potential site at the Joint Readiness Center at the Pittsburgh International Airport Reserve Station.
“Over the past decade, our nation has been ravaged by Mother Nature, ranging from catastrophic disasters such as Hurricane Katrina to forest fires in California, blizzards throughout the Midwest and East Coast and even floods in my home state,” said Senator Casey. “These events have temporarily displaced many people and demonstrated the need to upgrade our emergency response system. It is time to upgrade our preparation for all hazards, both natural disasters and intentional attacks.”
“I am pleased to join Senator Casey in cosponsoring this legislation which seeks to better prepare our nation for responding to national emergencies,” Senator Specter said. “We have the power to mitigate the harmful effects of natural and man-made disasters by developing these National Emergency Centers throughout the United States.”
This legislation seeks to use current resources, such as military facilities left vacant by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission, to help mitigate the damage inflicted by natural and man-made disasters alike. Facilities like the proposed Joint Readiness Center at the Pittsburgh International Airport Reserve Station, in conjunction with the location of the 911th Airlift Wing, would be able to carry out a homeland security mission in the service and protection of the American people.
To mitigate negative consequences and provide greater resources for disaster response, the National Emergency Centers Establishment Act authorizes the creations of six National Emergency Centers throughout the United States. The centers will serve as a central location for the training and coordination of first responders. The centers will also be used to provide temporary housing, medical and humanitarian assistance and educational facilities for individuals and families displaced due to an emergency. This will improve the coordination of preparedness, response and recovery efforts between governments, private companies, not-for-profit entities and faith-based organizations.
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