Begich to Chair Hearing on Engaging Private Sector in Disaster Response, Improving Coordination and Saving Taxpayer Dollars

The importance of engaging local businesses and other private sector organizations to save taxpayer dollars and improve emergency response capabilities in the case of disasters is the subject of a hearing at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 in SD-342 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building convened by U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations and the District of Columbia.

“With limited federal and state budgets, the private sector is critical to disaster preparedness,” said Begich. “I look forward to speaking with our witnesses to discuss ways to improve these partnerships so we are better prepared for disasters in the future.”

A series of devastating disasters across the United States in the last few years, including Hurricane Sandy, the Joplin Tornados, and Hurricane Katrina, have underscored the need for better coordination and improved information sharing between federal, state, FEMA, non-profit organizations and private sector businesses.

Tomorrow’s hearing will convene public and private sector witnesses to more closely examine ways that businesses are acting as innovators to develop products and services that can support more disaster resilient communities and how the public sector can better  utilize these services.

Wednesday May 8, 2013 – Washington, DC

WHAT: “The Role of the Private Sector in Preparedness and Emergency Response”

WHEN: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, SD-342

Witnesses List: