Bush budget would end disaster program

WASHINGTON
(February 28, 2001 4:42 p.m. EST ) - The Northwest earthquake struck on the same day President Bush proposed killing a federal program designed to help communities protect themselves against natural disasters.

Bush's proposed federal budget recommends saving $25 million by ending the Project Impact disaster preparedness program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program "has not proven effective," Bush's budget book states.

Seattle itself was one of the nation's first "Project Impact" communities. In February 1998, FEMA designated Seattle a "disaster-resistant community" for its efforts to reduce the potential costs and consequences from natural disasters.

Other participants in Washington state are King, Pierce, Walla Walla, Kitsap and Clark counties.

FEMA spokeswoman Mary Margaret Walker said the project's main thrust is less about federal dollars and more about "encouragement for local level initiatives to be taken. It may be that that will continue" without Project Impact.

She added that the Seattle area "is very, very earthquake savvy. With or without Project Impact, I think they will be addressing their concerns."

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