Bid: $RACESBUL.334
Subject: Bul 334 FEMA and the RACES


TO: ALL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES VIA AMATEUR RADIO
INFO:    ALL COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE
INFO:    ALL AMATEURS U.S   (@USA: INFORMATION); CAP, MARS
FROM:    CA GOVERNORS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
         (W6SIG@WA6NWE.CA)            Ph: 916-262-1600
         2800 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento, CA  95832
         Landline BBS  Open to All: 916-262-16577

RACESBUL.334  MGT - Policy: FEMA & the RACES 1/2
RELEASE DATE:  July 11, 1994

Question: Doesn't FEMA Run the RACES?

Response: FEMA has certain responsibilities, but "running" RACES
(in the sense of control)  is not included. The RACES is a LOCAL
or STATE governments emergency communications reserve, sponsored
and controlled by that government which sets up the unit. FEMA
has NO jurisdiction or authority over the local or state
government, including that of its RACES, except in the area of
matching funds. In the past FEMA did provide a "Guide" to assist
local governments in establishing the RACES. The operative word
is "guide".

Statements that "FEMA sponsors RACES" or words to that effect
have appeared in several publications. Unfortunately some
interpret that to mean that it "runs" the RACES program. It does
not. The RACES unit is sponsored by the local or state government
with a civil defense council that adopts a RACES plan, appoints a
Radio Officer and establishes a RACES unit. To sponsor is to
control. FEMA does NOT control the RACES.  The RACES is
AUTHORIZED by the federal government for use by the local or
state government to be controlled by local or state government.
No federal sponsorship is required.  Only the government which
adopts a RACES program is responsible for that unit. It takes NO
action by FEMA to allow, permit, support or make possible the
RACES unit. Local or state government can utilize it without any
assistance, direction or "sponsorship" by FEMA unless they seek
matching funds, in which case certain requirements may apply.

The RACES provisions in the FCC regulations do not preclude the
Amateur Service from other forms of Public Safety Communications.
Local government could achieve the same result by establishing a
public safety emergency communications reserve and calling it
something other than "RACES". However, the essential difference
between such a program and RACES would be two fold: (1) it could
not be used in a Presidential Declaration of certain National
Emergencies and (2) FEMA would not assist with funding as it now
does with the RACES program when adopted and approved plans are
filed with the State and FEMA.
Continued, part 2.
eom