Monday, June 28, 2004

More Recognition for Atlantic County Initiatives

Atlantic County's Internet-based Emergency Preparedness Program has been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with a 2004 Achievement Award as one of the country's best county government initiatives, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson.

"Once again, Atlantic County has been recognized for our efforts to improve the management and delivery of county services," he said. "This particular program takes advantage of new technologies to enhance communication with the public and promote a higher level of community preparedness. It is typical of the way in which county employees are continually looking for opportunities to improve our quality of services."

The Internet-based Emergency Preparedness Program allows the county's Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) to post time-sensitive information to the county's Web site, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in an immediate, efficient manner for the benefit of the public and the emergency response community. Such information includes emergency weather-related and homeland security bulletins. The program also allows the OEP staff to coordinate and monitor emergency training programs and exercises.

"As we all know, access to information is critical in an emergency situation," Levinson added.

The NACo achievement awards are presented in more than 20 categories, ranging from arts and historic preservation to volunteerism. All counties and state associations of counties are eligible to apply.

"I applaud our county employees for their hard work and am pleased to see their efforts so prominently acknowledged," said the county executive.

Levinson also noted that this is the second Atlantic County program to be recognized by NACo this year. In April, the county was one of 26 nationwide to receive a 2004 Indoor Air Quality Model County and Coalition grant from NACo in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant enables the county to provide mold training seminars for municipalities, educational institutions and county employees.

In addition, two other county programs have recently received recognition. The Project Success initiative was recognized as a best practice program earlier this month by the New Jersey Urban Counties Community Development Association for helping unemployed residents obtain employment by overcoming social, economic and cultural barriers. And in April, Atlantic County was selected as one of only two counties in the state to pilot an Aging and Disability Resource Center to provide consumers with education, information and access to long-term care support services.

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2223.

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