SILVER JACKETS TEAMS FACILITATE COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS TO STATE FLOOD RISK PRIORITIES

State-led Silver Jackets teams exist in all states and several territories, bringing together multiple state, federal, and sometimes tribal and local agencies to learn from one another in reducing risk from floods and sometimes other natural disasters. By applying their shared knowledge, the teams enhance preparedness, mitigation, and response and recovery efforts when such events do occur.

Although each state Silver Jackets team is unique, common agency participants include state agencies with mission areas of hazard mitigation, emergency management, floodplain management, natural resources management or conservation, etc. Federal participation typically includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and often the National Weather Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as others.  Resources for team activities come through the individual programs of each agency, within the constraints of available budgets.

No single agency has all the answers, but leveraging multiple programs and perspectives can provide a cohesive solution.

Learn more about our projects:

State of Kansas

State of Missouri

The Kansas and Missouri Silver Jackets team members have done several flood risk management plans (also floodplain management plans). Manhattan, Kan., Ottawa, Kan. and Independence, Mo. have been our most recent partners. The Manhattan, Kan. plans include a watershed wide plan for Wildcat Creek on their west side, which was adopted by Riley County as well as the city. Any community can get assistance with these under the USACE Flood Plain Management Services program. Learn more with the video above.