Investing in Mitigation: A Strategic Imperative for Disaster Resilience
If the federal government is to continue funding disaster response and recovery, it’s in its best interest to prioritize and invest in processes that avert long-term costs. The goal must be to play the long game—reducing the overall cost of disasters through proactive mitigation.
When local communities can't afford to implement mitigation strategies on their own, we as a country face a pivotal decision: either accept that we will continue paying more for expensive disaster response and recovery, or commit to identifying at-risk communities and taking the necessary steps to reduce exposure before disasters strike.
A Bipartisan Approach to Funding and Mitigation
The conversation around disaster response funding often falls along political lines, but there’s an urgent need to approach this issue from a bipartisan perspective. In recent years, we’ve seen critical cuts to FEMA’s funding for various programs, leaving states, including those severely impacted by disasters, without the resources they need for proactive mitigation. These cuts not only compromise our ability to reduce the costs of future disasters but also affect local communities' ability to recover effectively.
This issue transcends party lines. Both Democratic and Republican leaders have voiced concern about the rising cost of natural disasters and the strain on local and state budgets. For instance, during the recent bomb cyclone in Washington state, the calls for increased federal support from both state leaders and local officials underscored the urgent need for a more strategic approach to disaster preparedness. Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat, and various Republican legislators alike have acknowledged that investment in long-term mitigation strategies could save taxpayers millions in the future, despite partisan differences on immediate federal spending.
At Emergency Response and Global Security Solutions (ERGSS), we believe that addressing these disparities is crucial in evaluating community risk and guiding mitigation investments. Our team works to bridge the gap by collaborating with both federal agencies and state and local leaders across the political spectrum to ensure the most vulnerable communities are not overlooked in rebuilding and resiliency efforts.
The Need for Targeted Investment
Whether it’s the ongoing recovery from flooding in the Midwest or the widespread power outages caused by the bomb cyclone in Washington state, these events serve as reminders of the importance of targeted disaster funding. Washington’s rural communities, already grappling with aging infrastructure, found themselves at an even greater disadvantage during the bomb cyclone, with over 200,000 people losing power for days. This disaster illustrated the critical need for investments in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas, where resources are often limited.
Bipartisan support is crucial for ensuring that all states—especially those with aging infrastructure and limited resources—receive the funding they need for mitigation and recovery. Both sides of the aisle must come together to address the growing disparities in disaster preparedness and response.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Policymakers must act now to ensure that areas most vulnerable to severe weather are prioritized for recovery and mitigation funding. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about smart, strategic planning for a safer, more resilient future. It’s time for Congress to put aside political differences and focus on what truly matters: protecting communities, saving lives, and reducing long-term costs.
At ERGSS, our mission is to support federal, state, and local agencies in understanding the inherent risks—whether man-made or natural—facing their communities. We partner with municipalities to identify mitigation strategies and assist in applying for the resources needed to carry them out. Our shared goal is to reduce disaster costs and, most importantly, save lives.
