The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held its first-ever regional collaboration meeting with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania last week at the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg, aimed at increasing awareness of interagency capabilities and strengthening partnerships.
“This workshop is important, so we know what everyone’s piece to play is in the Commonwealth,” said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, adjutant general, representing Gov. Tom Wolf. “We’re working together to protect our residents and preserve the environment. We will see how we can take some of our overlapping resources to fill some of our gaps.”
Pennsylvania is served by multiple Corps districts: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Buffalo.
“Connecting our agencies — from leadership positions to our program managers — ensures we are aware of the most pressing priorities and needs, available resources and funding opportunities, and short-term and long-term actions we can take to reach viable solutions for the Commonwealth,” said Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Corps, Baltimore District commander.
Corps representatives gave presentations on the types of studies and projects they perform throughout the Chesapeake Bay region to provide attendees a better idea of how the Corps and Commonwealth could work together to solve water resources issues using federal funding and partner contributions.
Topics included Technical Assistance Programs, the interagency Pennsylvania Silver Jackets flood risk management team, Regulatory permitting, Continuing Authorities Program and Emergency Management.
[mappress mapid=”23924″]