Accomplishments 
& 
Innovations 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
Region III Fiscal Year 2003 Report Table of Contents 
REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE .............1 
LOOKING AT THE DETAILS ............................2 
Divisional Accomplishments 
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS ..................................................2 
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY .................................................6 
FEDERAL INSURANCE AND MITIGATION ..........................9 
ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCE PLANNING .............12 
Contact Information ...........................................13 
Director’s Message 
By Acting Regional Director Patricia Arcuri 
Along with twenty-one other agencies, the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) transitioned 
into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 
1, 2003. So what has this change meant for FEMA? 
Following the direction of the Under Secretary of 
Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and 
Response, we continue to “just do our jobs.” During a 
visit to the regional office, Under Secretary Michael D. 
Brown explained that while we will continue to experience 
changes in the new Department, our fundamental 
mission would remain the same: We will continue to respond 
to disasters resulting from all types of hazards. And 
for the past year, Region III staff has worked very hard 
to proudly fulfill that mission. 
Over the last twelve months, Region III responded to 
eleven major disasters and four snow emergency declarations, 
administering more than $560 million in assistance 
to help residents and communities recover. On September 
18, Hurricane Isabel struck the mid-Atlantic region. 
In an unprecedented outcome, Isabel’s fury resulted in 
simultaneous major disaster declarations in all five of our 
states and the District of Columbia. 
Hurricane Isabel provided a daunting test of Region 
III’s readiness capabilities. The enormity of response 
and recovery operations required the support of staff from 
Regions VI, VII, VIII, IX and X. Staff was deployed for 
months before returning to Philadelphia to manage the 
overwhelming workload caused by the multi-state disasters. 
In just three months, we identified our successes, 
best practices, and areas needing improvement through 
the Remedial Action Management Program. Region III 
is well on its way to enhancing its readiness capability. 
In addition to disaster activities, we continue to 
support the preparedness of state and local governments. 
Since the beginning of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters 
Grant program, our region has awarded more than $75 
million in grants to enhance the capability of first responders. 
As the fire grant program is slated to transfer to the 
Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) in fiscal year 
2004, we take heart in knowing we were instrumental in 
getting first responders the funds they need to save lives 
and protect property. 
With the formation of the new Department, one of 
the most important changes is the expected transition of 
the administration of several grant programs to ODP. This 
move supports Secretary Ridge’s goal to establish a “onestop-
shop” that integrates numerous federal preparedness 
initiatives into a single, streamlined, comprehensive program. 
While we assist in the transition, we will continue 
to ensure effective coordination and implementation of 
these preparedness programs. 
We are proud to retain the FEMA name. Over the 
years the acronym has been widely recognized by the 
public, signifying the commitment of the federal government 
to assist them when facing potentially threatening 
events. As I look to the coming months of 2004, I envision 
continued support to our state and local partners, as 
well as to the new Department as it implements policies 
to secure our homeland. We may not know what the 
future holds, but we can take pride in our day-to-day work 
with a strong sense of accomplishment. 
My first year as Acting Regional Director was 
marked with plenty of challenges and many rewarding 
accomplishments. Thank you for your support, hard work 
and responsiveness to our emergency management partners 
and customers. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 1 Looking At The Details 
Divisional Developments 
National Preparedness 
(caption)The Virginia Department of Health Office of Water and 
Radiological Health Program participate in a FEMA-evaluated 
response exercise at Surry Nuclear Power Plant. 

Technological Services, Assessment and Exercises 
Branch 
Radiological Emergency Preparedness: 
During fiscal year 2003, all FEMA regions were asked 
to reduce the use of contractors for Radiological Emergency 
Preparedness (REP) exercises because of budget 
shortfalls. Region III had projected $1,309,669 in contractor 
expenses for exercises scheduled between October 
2002 and August 2003. REP staff re-evaluated these 
projected expenses and eliminated any activities that could 
be performed by FEMA staff. After the implementation 
of the proposed changes, contractor expenses dropped to 
$950,493, a 27 percent savings. 
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission provided Potassium 
Iodide (KI) stocks to requesting Region III states 
during fiscal year 2002. The states were required to provide 
updated KI distribution plans to FEMA within one 
year. During fiscal year 2003, Region III reviewed and 
approved the plans submitted by Virginia, Maryland and 
Delaware. The Pennsylvania KI distribution plan, received 
in October 2003, is under review. 

National Preparedness (NP)/Technological Services, 
Assessment and Exercises Branch (TSAE) initiated the 
use of all regional staff members as evaluators during 
REP exercises. A one-day REP Evaluator Refresher 
course (L-305) was held in the regional office on April 
30. The week-long Radiological Emergency Preparedness 
Exercise Evaluation Course for new evaluators was 
postponed because of Hurricane Isabel. This course will 
be rescheduled during fiscal year 2004. 

Due to the impact of Hurricane Isabel, the Surry 
Power Station nuclear facility in Virginia was shutdown 
on September 18. As a result, a joint FEMA/Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission (NRC) Disaster Initiated Review 
team evaluated the off-site preparedness capabilities prior 
to restart. Beginning September 19, a special evaluation 
team of staff from Region III, NRC Region II and Virginia 
Radiological Emergency Preparedness reassessed 
the condition of the off-site emergency preparedness infrastructure 
around the Surry facility. Based on the team’s 
review, the preparedness capabilities were adequate to 
protect the health and safety of the public within the tenmile 
emergency planning zone surrounding Surry. The 
NRC authorized the plant restart on September 21. 

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness 
Program: 
(caption) Control room operators study the monitors that enable them 
to view all neutralization operations at the Aberdeen Proving 
Ground. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 2 
The neutralization of the chemical weapons stockpile 
at the Aberdeen Proving Ground began in April 2003. The 
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program 
(CSEPP) staff worked closely with federal, state and local 
partners to plan and implement program closeout activities. 
CSEPP staff coordinated a detailed identification 
of post-neutralization activities to bring the program to a 
close and worked with FEMA HQ to ensure that funding 
for these activities would be available. 
The staff modified the design and schedule of the 
annual CSEPP exercise to limit the impact of exercise 
field activities on demilitarized operations at the stockpile 
location. NP also proposed and monitored a contractor 
study to examine options for preserving the existing local 
emergency communications network once CSEPP funding 
ends. In addition, Region III developed and managed 
a series of presentations on program closeout for the 2003 
National Conference. Based on feedback and a request 
from FEMA HQ, NP will lead the new Program Closeout 
Workgroup. This workgroup develops strategies and guidance 
for CSEPP Communities who face program closeout 
challenges. 

HAZMAT - Watchstander training: 
(caption)Technological Hazards Program Specialist Catherine 
Pomerantz (left) conducts a tour of the Regional Operations 
Center for ESF-10 during Watchstander training on June 25.

FEMA Region III coordinated and co-presented 
“Watchstander” training in the regional office on June 
25. The session presented information on on the activation 
of Emergency Support Function (ESF)-10 to Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) and United States 
Coast Guard (USCG) staff. Presenters included Region 
III, EPA and USCG staff. Topics included the declaration 
process, the ESF activation process, mission assignments, 
funding mechanisms, and the roles and responsibilities of 
each agency. NP identified two target audiences: Those  
who allocate mission assignments from the Regional Operations 
Center and those who carry out mission assignments 
(e.g. EPA On-Scene Coordinators and USCG Federal 
On-Scene Coordinators). Because of the interdependent 
roles, the staff held a joint training session underscoring 
each party’s responsibilities and how they interconnect. 
Participant feedback was very positive and similar 
training has been requested for 2004. 

Program Coordination Branch 
(caption)Region III National Preparedness Director Robert Welch 
presents a $103,680 Assistance to Firefighters grant to Pioneer 
Fire Company in Jenkintown, Pa., on June 12. 

Assistance to Firefighters: 
During fiscal year 2003, the Region III Fire Program 
Specialist was extremely busy with the Assistance to 
Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. In addition to personal 
contact with fire service organizations, the Fire Program 
Specialist trained several other Program Coordination 
Branch staff members in the program guidance. With 
this additional staff, 35 workshops were presented to nearly 
a thousand participants, resulting in a record number of 
grant applications and awards for the region’s states. Program 
Coordination staff members participated in the peer 
reviews of this year’s AFG applications, and received 
praise for fair and efficient processing. Award winners 
continue to be monitored to ensure proper and effective 
use of grant money.
 
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 3 (caption)Fire Program Specialist Lori Bainbridge presents a grant of 
more than $173,000 to Wilmington Fire Department. 

The addition of the Fire Program to the Program 
Coordination Branch provided the region with significant 
outreach and education opportunities beyond the AFG 
program. The Program Coordination staff gave fire organizations 
information on additional programs and grants 
available to assist their preparedness efforts. NP representatives 
joined state and local officials in activities such 
as the NBC 10 Health Expo, promoting both Assistance 
to Firefighters and Citizen Corps programs. Staff members 
also educated regional fire departments in both Citizen 
Corps and Community Emergency Response Team 
(CERT) initiatives. 

Continuity of Operations (COOP): 
The regional Continuity of Operations Program 
(COOP) grew tremendously during the past fiscal year. 
COOP staff made strides in revising the region’s COOP 
plan and Emergency Relocation Group (ERG) roster. The 
staff also distributed vital information to ERG members 
and relocated several emergency sites. 
Region III made an aggressive outreach effort to all 
federal departments and agencies by marketing COOP 
programs as “a good business practice.” The staff began 
developing an outreach strategy to assist Region III states 
with their COOP/COG planning, and aided ten federal 
offices in the development of their COOP plans. 
The staff continues to concentrate on the relationship 
with the regional Federal Executive Boards. NP staff created 
and distributed a COOP Planning Program. The results 
helped NP staff identify the level of capability and 
the need for planning assistance. Introductory COOP 
briefings were provided to members of the FEB in Baltimore 
and Pittsburgh. In fiscal year 2003, a regional staff 
member chaired the Philadelphia FEB Multi-Agency 
COOP Steering Committee, which assists many agencies 
in creating, coordinating and evaluating their plans. 
As a result, a COOP exercise and two workshops were 
conducted with the Philadelphia FEB. 
The Program Coordination Branch held the Office 
of National Security Coordination Regional COOP Conference 
in May 2003. The three-day conference provided 
a forum for FEMA COOP coordinators, regional 
managers and national security representatives for briefings 
on a variety of COOP issues. Topics included FEMA’s 
role as executive agent for COOP, outreach efforts and 
the revitalization of the FEMA COOP website. 

(caption)Emergency Management Program Specialist Laurel Ryan 
leads a discussion group during the 2003 COOP conference. 

Remedial Action Management Program (RAMP): 
In fiscal year 2003, the Remedial Action Management 
Program (RAMP) was initiated. 
Region III completed program implementation and 
trained two RAMP facilitators at EMI. The RAMP evaluates 
the team’s ability to accomplish the current mission 
and identifies negative impactson future operations. The 
RAMP uses a “hot-wash” process and a facilitator to 
achieve consensus in naming improvement opportunities 
and smart practices. 
During fiscal year 2003, Region III completed nine 
RAMP “Hot Washes”: 
• West Virginia DFO (DR-1474) 
• Virginia DFO (DR-1491) (two completed for the 
Virginia DFO) 
• Maryland DFO (DR-1492) (two completed for the 
Maryland DFO) 
• District of Columbia DFO (DR-1493) 
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 4 • Delaware (DR-1494) 
• Pennsylvania (DRs-1485 and 1497 combined) 
• Regional Operations Center for Hurricane Isabel 

Supplemental Grants: 
In December 2002, Region III reviewed and approved 
applications for the Emergency Operations Planning, Citizen 
Corps and Community Emergency Response Team 
(CERT). 
In fiscal year 2003, each state was given a $50,000 
Phase 1 grant to evaluate their Emergency Operations 
Centers (EOC). The Department of Homeland Security 
then provided a total of $432,000 to states for EOC upgrades. 
This funding alleviated the cost of construction 
to house secure voice and teleconferencing equipment, 
also provided by the Department of Homeland Security. 
In June, Virginia received a $5,137,000 competitive 
Phase 2 grant to construct and equip a new Emergency 
Operations Center. 

(caption) VDEM personnel work at the EOC, which will be replaced 
soon thanks to a grant from FEMA. 

Program Coordination Branch staff has monitored the 
progress of these grants very closely. Following each 
application period, Region III rollouts have been among 
the timeliest in the nation. NP staff has worked hard to 
meet the needs of each state and to develop the most 
effective grant application possible. The NP division also 
worked with the Administration and Resource Planning 
division, as well as Headquarters, to clarify directives and 
help the states maximize their opportunities. As a result, 
the staff provided a Region III FAQ sheet to supplement 
those provided by Headquarters. In addition, staff members 
worked with the Regional Environmental Officer to 
ensure all applications met environmental and historical 
requirements. 

Emergency Management Performance Grants 
(EMPG): 
A significant increase in the Emergency Management 
Performance Grants (EMPG) fund allocation, made almost 
halfway through the grant period, presented a challenge 
for states and staff. To ensure the effective use of 
grant funds, NP staff helped each Region III state revise 
their grant applications and met their individual needs during 
the process. 

Citizen Corps/Community Emergency Response 
Teams (CERT): 
The Citizen Corps Councils and CERT training programs 
continue to expand throughout the region. By the 
end of fiscal year 2003, CERT funding was approved and 
distributed. In addition to regular grants, Region III secured 
$50,000 from surplus 2002 funds, and divided it 
among the states to help fund their CERT programs. As 
a result, sixty-five Citizens Corps Councils were registered 
and thousands of citizens received CERT training. 
By delivering outstanding customer service, the division 
monitored each state’s progress and facilitated coordination 
among Region III states. NP provided funding 
for the CERT Train-the-Trainer courses offered by the 
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the 
Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and the Virginia 
Department of Emergency Management. As a result, 
one hundred new certified trainers were added to 
the states’ cadres. Open to all the states, the class provided 
students the opportunity to exchange ideas. At the 
request of the states, the division continues to promote 
this type of regional sharing. The staff continues to work 
with ARP to find innovative ways to help. 

Senior Leaders Homeland Security Summit: 
The FEMA Region III Senior Leaders Homeland 
Security Summit was held in November 2002. Region III, 
the United States Fire Administration, and the Office of 
National Preparedness coordinated the summit. Participants 
met with their counterparts and shared information 
on domestic preparedness. Seventeen topics were presented 
during the three-day event, including grants management, 
the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, 
Critical Event Preparedness and Response, and the 
National Pharmaceutical Stockpile. In smaller breakout 
sessions, participants discussed their success stories and 
experiences. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 5 
Response and Recovery 
The Response and Recovery (RR) Division was extremely 
active during fiscal year 2003, responding to eleven 
major disasters and four snow emergency declarations 
— the most demanding RR year since 1996. In February, 
a severe blizzard crippled the Northeast, resulting in 
two major disasters and four emergency declarations in 
the region. Tropical Storm Henri and Hurricane Isabel 
caused seven major declarations, requiring intense coordination 
across the entire region and support from Regions 
VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X. During fiscal year 2003, 
the division approved more than $560 million to help residents 
and their communities recover from the effects of 
disasters. 
(caption)President Bush visits FEMA employees in Richmond, Va. after 
touring the damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. 

The Regional Operations Center (ROC) was fully 
activated for the first time since the terrorist attacks in 
2001. The ROC activated on September 15 and maintained 
twenty-four hour operations through September 25. 
During theHomeland Security Advisory System 
(HSAS) high threat level Orange, the Response Operations 
Branch led two 24-hour Communications Watch 
Level activations. During these activations, RR enhanced 
working relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
(FBI), sharing critical information pertinent to potential 
response actions and increasing FEMA's ability to 
handle classified materials. 
During fiscal year 2003, the Response and Recovery 
Division implemented several plans to improve the dayto-
day relationship and information sharing between the 
regional and state Operations’ staff, resulting in increased 
cooperation. This improved relationship proved beneficial 
during the response to Hurricane Isabel. 

(caption)Jack Schuback accepts the FEB Award on behalf 
of the Recovery Branch. 
In fiscal year 2003, the Recovery Branch won a Federal 
Executive Board silver medal for “Most Improved 
Federal Image.” This category recognized achievements 
and actions that resulted in a better public perception and 
understanding of the agency. The Recovery Branch was 
commended for its teamwork in providing disaster relief 
and emergency preparedness services to impacted families 
and public safety organizations, including first responders. 
While working around the clock in 2002 to handle 
massive floods in Virginia and a F-4 tornado in Maryland, 
the team also volunteered to help in the administration of 
the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. 
Other significant accomplishments include improving 
the effectiveness of the Regional Alert and Notification 
System and the development of debris management plans. 
The staff helped develop a national NEMIS-based Federal 
Coordinating Officer report that is used not only as a 
status report, but as a production tool for the Public Assistance 
program. The report also assists in the compilation 
of critical infrastructure data used by the Geographic 
Information System team.  

(caption)At a Mobile Operations Base, a worker takes water to be 
distributed to Virginia residents affected by Hurricane Isabel. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 6 
The Blizzard of 2003 
(caption)West Virginia residents dig out after the blizzard of 2003. 

As a result of the February 14-17 severe winter storm, 
snow and flooding affected all of the region’s states and 
the District of Columbia. Emergency Operations Centers 
were activated in all six Region III jurisdictions. 
Although the storm personally affected the staff, but 
the Region met the extraordinary demand for personnel. 
Public Assistance staff used the Geographic Information 
System (GIS) to analyze the total snowfall amounts against 
the existing record snowfall amounts to determine the need 
for federal assistance. This action demonstrated GIS 
capabilities in support of response and recovery efforts. 
As a result, President Bush declared two major disasters, 
1455-WV and 1458-VA; and four snow emergencies, 
3178-DC, 3179-MD, 3180-PA and 3183-DE. Public Assistance 
set up a central location to process the project 
worksheets for the entire region. 
By the end of fiscal year 2003, the Public Assistance 
program had approved approximately $69,759,000 for 
5,545 projects to 2,308 political jurisdictions to aid in the 
recovery of the blizzard. Human Services processed 5,015 
teleregistration applications and provided $7,345,614 in 
assistance to 2,834 families for housing assistance and 
829 families for other needs assistance. 

West Virginia 1474, Heavy Rains, High Winds, Flash 
Flooding and Landslides 
(caption) Louis H. Botta, Federal Coordinating Officer for DR-1474, and 
W.Va. Governor Bob Wise meet after the signing of the 
federal-state agreement. 

Severe rain, dumping nearly two and a half inches in 
one hour, caused creeks in southwestern West Virginia to 
overflow on June 11. Between June 11 and June 17, more 
flooding was caused by an additional six inches of rain. 
More than a thousand residences and numerous businesses 
suffered damage. A considerable number of effected 
residences had serious health and safety hazards, making 
them uninhabitable. 
By the end of fiscal year 2003, the Public Assistance 
Program approved $4,755,694 for 405 projects to 54 
applicants. After processing 5,146 teleregistrations, 
Human Services Programs approved $10,305,308 in 
housing assistance to 3,327 families and 831 families 
qualifying for other needs assistance.
 
Pennsylvania 1485, Severe Winds, Tornadoes, 
Heavy Rain, and Flooding 

(caption) FEMA personnel examine the Kinzua Bridge in Lackawanna 
County, Pa., after a tornado destroyed it on July 21. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 7
 An intense low-pressure system starting on Monday, 
July 21, and lasting through Tuesday, July 22, spawned 
tornado activity that damaged homes and other property 
and caused widespread debris in four counties. 
Damages included the collapse of the historic Kinzua 
Bridge in McKean County. 
By the end of the fiscal year, the Public Assistance 
Program approved $1,023,105 for 570 projects to 268 applicants. 
Human Services approved a total of $2,932,810 
for 1,147 applicants. 

Hurricane Isabel 
(caption) Hurricane Isabel makes landfall on the mid-Atlantic states. 

On September 15, the Regional Office began preparations 
for the response to Hurricane Isabel. The Acting 
Regional Director called for the activation of the Regional 
Operations Center (ROC) at Level 1, signifying a massive 
event. Response Operations reviewed the emergency 
team rosters and deployed all necessary personnel 
to the ROC. State Liaisons traveled to the state Emergency 
Operations Centers. Representatives from ten 
Emergency Support Functions reported to the ROC. Response 
staff participated in regular videoconferences with 
all potentially affected areas. The Governors of all Region 
III states declared a State of Emergency. 
On September 18, Isabel made landfall along the outer 
banks of North Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane with 
surface winds as high as 85 knots. The storm moved 
through the northeastern portion of North Carolina and 
into Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Delaware. 
Strong residual winds extended into West Virginia 
and Pennsylvania. Severe flooding and high windsoccurred 
throughout the region, prompting the largest response effort 
in Region III since Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The 
Regional Operations Center activated for eleven days, 
operating twenty-fours a day. 
Similar to the Blizzard of 2003, this event presented
the unusual challenge of responding to a region-wide disaster, 
requiring intense coordination among all impacted 
states and other FEMA regions. The National Emergency 
Response Team (ERT-N) Blue arrived in Virginia 
before landfall to coordinate a quick and efficient response. 
In addition, ERT-A teams responded to all Region III 
states. Regions VI, VII, VIII, IX and X also provided 
staff to assist with the response effort. Region-wide, the 
Response Operations branch issued over 170 missions 
totaling in excess of $80,000,000. 
To date, the Public Assistance Program has approved 
$278 million for 3600 projects to 235 applicants. Human 
Services has approved 43,702 applications and dispersed 
$110,588,046.  
(caption)FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer David Fukutomi and 
Virginia Director of Emergency Management Michael Cline 
track Hurricane Isabel at the State Emergency Operation 
Center in Richmond. 

(caption)A Virginia resident cleans up the mess Hurricane Isabel left 
behind. 

REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 8 
Delaware 1495, Tropical Storm Henri 
The remnants of Tropical Storm Henri delivered extraordinary 
amounts of rainfall in New Castle County, 
Delaware on September 15. The storm dumped 8 to 10 
inches of rain in just a few hours. Much of the region had 
already received above-normal rainfall in recent weeks. 
According to a preliminary U.S. Geological survey, the 
flooding ranked among the worst on record for the northern 
Delaware waterways. 

National Capital Region 
The Response and Recovery Division took on the 
major task of coordinating the development of the Na- 
tional Emergency Response Team (ERT-N) for the Na- 
tional Capital Re- 
gion (NCR). Plan- 
ning efforts over 
the last year in- 
cluded develop- 
ment of opera- 
tional guides, 
N C R - s p e c i f i c 
Geographic Infor- 
mation System 
(GIS) products, 
and the opening of 
the only permanent 
Initial Operating 
Facility (IOF) in 
the county. In 
January, the Response and Recovery Division held a 
fully staffed exercise out of the IOF,
simulating a terrorist 
attack in the 
Washington Metro 
Area.  
(caption)Federal Coordinating Officer Tom 
Davies briefs the NCR advance team during 
the ERT-N NCR exercise in  
January 2003. 

Response and Recovery also continues to work on 
NCR planning initiatives. In particular, the region has 
worked extensively with Virginia, the District of Columbia, 
Maryland, the Council of Governments, and the U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers to assess and develop an inventory 
of existing debris plans and prime power requirements. 
These efforts are part of a larger objective to 
develop a national strategy for response to potential natural 
disasters and terrorist events. 
(caption)Region III ERT-N Operations Chief John Connolly discusses a 
Human Services issue with Program Specialist Pam James- 
Willis. 

Flood Insurance 
and Mitigation 
The Mitigation Division experienced many changes 
throughout the 2003 fiscal year. The Disaster Mitigation 
Act 2000 (DMA2K) and the new Pre-Disaster Mitigation 
Program created exciting challenges. The division 
formed a new Outreach Unit and welcomed a new Mitigation 
Division Director. The following is a summary of 
some of the most notable Mitigation Division accomplishments 
of fiscal year 2003. 

Section 322 Planning Efforts 
In response to the Disaster Mitigation Act 2000 
(DMA2K), the division continues to consolidate mitigation 
planning requirements. By fostering close relationships 
with partner states, the staff helped their governments 
develop mitigation plans in compliance with 
DMA2K. By using funds from FEMA mitigation programs 
such as the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, 
which awarded $248,375 to five Region III states, local 
communities were able to meet these new planning requirements. 
As a result, six local DMA2K Section 322 
Plans have been approved. 
The FMA program also awarded a total of $1,005,200 
to Region III states to help fund cost-effective measures 
to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage. 
The FMA program offers the states three types of grants: 
Plan Development, Technical Assistance, and Project Completion.
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 9 
(caption)Community Rating System (CRS) Task Force members (from 
left) Chairman Richard Decker, Lisa Holland Jones, South 
Carolina Department of Natural Resources, FIM Program 
Specialist Bret Gates and Pete Rabbom, California Division 
of Water Resources, meet in Philadelphia. 

 The states use the grants to acquire, demolish 
or elevate flood-prone structures and implement structural 
flood control measures, thereby reducing claims to 
the National Flood Insurance Fund. 
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) has 
achieved considerable success in the “close out” of 14 
disasters during fiscal year 2003. Region III funded 16 
projects, totaling $6,357,000. The projects included acquisition 
and demolition projects, hazard mitigation plan- 
This home, raised above the base flood elevation, received no 
damage during the June flooding in West Virginia. The 
flooding devastated many of the other homes in the 
neighborhood. 
ning projects, and retrofitting for storm water management 
systems. 
The closing out of disasters declared prior to fiscal 
year 2000 continues to be a priority in the Mitigation Division. 
By monitoring grants management with the states, 
the division has been able to maintain a low percentage 
of unliquidated obligations for HMGP. 

Community Assistance Program State Support Service Element (CAP-SSSE): 

(caption) The Stradley elevated residence is out of harms way during 
flooding caused by Hurricane Isabel. 
The Community Assistance Program State Support 
Service Element (CAP-SSSE) helped the Mid-Atlantic 
states improve their compliance with the National Flood 
Insurance Program (NFIP). As a result, FEMA Headquarters 
has enhanced the NFIP program activities immensely 
by providing the region with an additional $300,000 
for distribution to the states. 


Flood Map Modernization 
In this exciting time for the NFIP, the Flood Hazard 
Mapping Program has launched an ambitious Map Modernization 
program to expedite flood map updates. More 
than $5 million has been expended for new projects within 
Region III. The division has collaborated with local communities 
and other agencies, and drawn from their flood 
map data and expertise. Mitigation continues to explore 
new technologies to more accurately map floodprone areas 
at reduced costs.
 
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 10 
New Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) 
In fiscal year 2003, the mitigation division issued ten 
Cooperating Technical Partners Program grants totaling 
$2,093,750. The CTP brings together capable regional state 
and local agencies as active partners in the FEMA Flood 
Hazard Mapping Program. With the support of the CTP 
grants, these partners help revise and improve flood insurance 
studies and rate maps. 
First time Region III grant recipients: Canaan Valley 
Institute, Thomas, West Virginia; Fairfax County, Virginia; 
Henrico County, Virginia; Temple University, Ambler, 
Pennsylvania; and West Virginia University, Morgantown, 
West Virginia. 
Continuing Region III grant recipients: Prince 
Georges County, Maryland; Baltimore County, Maryland; 
Roanoke County,Virginia; Delaware Department of Natural 
Resources and Environmental Control; and Maryland 
Department of Environment. 

Other Contracted Flood Map Projects: 
Mitigation relies on federal partners and consulting 
engineers to carry out flood insurance studies and map 
modernization projects. These federal partners include 
the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers. The mitigation division currently has multiyear 
contracts with AMEC Earth & Environmental of 
Chantilly,Virginia and GG3 Joint Venture (Greenhorne & 
O’Mara, Gannett Fleming and 3Di) of Greenbelt, Md. In 
fiscal year 2003, nine federal agency project tasks were 
issued, totaling $1,700,500. Ten project tasks totaling 
$1,263,500 were issued to private consultants. The Mitigation 
division currently has projects in Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia and West Virginia. 

Strategic Plan for HAZUS-MH 
Region III has developed a strategic plan for the 
Hazards U.S. Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH) software program 
that addresses the development of the Mid-Atlantic 
HAZUS User’s Group, the evaluation of regional HAZUS 
use, and the promotion of hazard identification and risk 
assessment through HAZUS analyses.
 
HAZUS Expansion Pilot 
(caption) University of Delaware Geological Survey personnel analyze 
soil data for use in HAZUS earthquake-modeling software.

Region III staff coordinated the pilot HAZUS-MH 
software program for estimating damage from wind (hurricanes, 
thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and 
hail) and floods (ravine and coastal). During the pilot 
program, a Flood Information Tool was developed. This
software tool uses floodplain boundary information as well  
as ground and flood elevation to calculate flood depth. 
These HAZUS tools assess risk, estimate loss, and 
produce studies that will help the private sector as well as 
state and local governments implement programs in emergency 
response, recovery and mitigation. 

The Wilmington HAZUS Project 

Region III continued coordination with the Delaware 
Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware 
Geological Survey (DGS) to assess earthquake risk 
in Wilmington, Delaware. This work has been supported 
by FEMA through an Emergency Management Planning 
and Assistance (EMPA) grant. The HAZUS earthquake 
model was refined to incorporate detailed soil information 
amassed by DGS. As a result, Delaware’s earthquake 
risk was raised from low to moderate. With additional 
EMPA funds, this project will expand during fiscal year 
2004 to include other hazards analyses. 

Hazard Mitigation Outreach 
The mitigation outreach effort continued to focus on 
mitigation education. In cooperation with the Virginia 
Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department 
of Education, Virginia Department of Conservation, 
and Virginia local school districts in Wise, Scott and Lee 
Counties, the mitigation division created a compact disk 
for use in disaster-resistance education. The CD, entitled 
“Virginia Disaster Resistance Library: A Toolbox 
for Teachers,” will be delivered in fiscal year 2004 to 
every school district in Virginia. 
In collaboration with the West Virginia Office of Emergency 
Services, the division developed a similar outreach 
initiative that identifies the need for hazard mitigation education 
and plans the effective delivery of the material. 

Administration and 
Resource Planning 
(caption)Administration and Resource Planning meet during the ERT 
NCR exercise. 

During fiscal year 2003, Region III’s Administration 
and Resource Planning (ARP) division welcomed a new 
regional Training Manager and the development of a new, 
comprehensive training program. The retooled Regional 
Training Strategy placed emphasis on short-session workshops 
focusing on strengthening “soft skills.” The region 
contracted Dale Carnegie for twelve such sessions including 
“Communications”, “Improving People Skills”, 
“Creating Positive Change”, “Overcoming Stress”and 
“Time Management.” ARP also sponsored larger group 
classes including effective writing, customer service and 
effective management communications. The staff accomplished 
these new initiatives while continuing to support 
staff participation in FEMA’s Leadership Excellence 
Program, Professional Excellence Program, the Career 
Enhancement Program and the USDA Graduate School. 
Fiscal year 2003 was a record-setting year for Region 
III in non-disaster grant support to its state and local 
partners. ARP processed the largest number of grant 
applications and awarded the greatest amount of funds 
since the creation of FEMA in 1979. Region III awarded 
85 grants totaling over $43 million for preparedness and 
mitigation. The staff also met the challenge of administering 
many new programs such as the First Responder 
Supplemental Grant program, part of the President’s initiative 
to fight Terrorism in America. 
ARP continues to lead the way by making continuous 
improvements to internal and external systems in support 
of preparedness and response efforts. The Information 
Technology Branch purchased and installed a new phone 
system and computer hardware. ARP has also enabled 
continuous connectivity through the acquisition of pagers 
for all staff members and Blackberry devices for the management 
team. In addition, the staff completed the installation 
of a high frequency radio system in the office, facilitating 
communication with Region III's state Emergency 
Operations Centers and other users of the FEMA National 
Radio System. ARP staff upgraded internal security 
system by installing digital closed-circuit television 
security cameras. 
FEMA HQ selected Region III as one of the corner 
posts for the FEMA Wide Area Network. This system 
automatically reroutes any link that fails anywhere in the 
country. Finally, in cooperation with the National Preparedness 
Division, ARP also completed the selection and 
design for an alternate operating facility under the Continuity 
of Operations Program. The physical installation of 
the facility will occur in fiscal year 2004. 
Closing disaster grants remained a regional priority 
during fiscal year 2003. ARP facilitated the process, closing 
55 disaster programs, 45 mission assignments, and 14 
FEMA/State Agreements. Grant closure completes the 
disaster recovery process for states and their communities, 
and returns excess money to the Disaster Relief Fund. 
In fiscal year 2003, closed Mission Assignments alone 
returned nearly $11 million. 
(caption) Information Technology Specialist LerMande Hendricks helps 
solve a software problem. 
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 12 
Contact Information 
Office of the Regional Director .................................................... 215-931-5608 
Administration and Resource Planning ....................................... 215-931-5678 
Federal Insurance and Mitigation ................................................ 215-931-5512 
Response and Recovery ................................................................. 215-931-5626 
National Preparedness ................................................................... 215-931-5544 
REGION III FY 2003 REPORT 13