In 1997, the Federal Emergency Management Agency partnered with seven pilot communities across the country in piloting Project Impact, an initiative to Build Disaster Resistant Communities.  The benefits seen and the determined commitment that flourished at the local level encouraged them.  In 1998, Racine County was one of 60 new communities that joined Project Impact.

The purpose of Project Impact is to build disaster resistant communities by:

•  Building Community Partnerships

•  Assessing Risks

•  Prioritizing Needs

•  Building Support and Communicating What You Are Doing 

As a Project Impact community, Racine County was provided with some seed money to develop initiatives towards "Building a Disaster Resistant Community."  In early meetings, County Executive Jean Jacobson added, "Making Disaster Resistance a Way of Life."

The incentive of Project Impact is clear: a disaster resistant community can rebound from a natural disaster with far less loss of property and consequently much less cost for repairs. Moreover, the time lost from productive activity is minimized for both businesses and their employees. Indeed, FEMA estimates that for every dollar spent in damage prevention, two are saved in repairs.