Debris ACI Regions and Capacity Options_20250611.pdf

Hazard-Based Regionalization

The proposed regional breakdown for our acquisition strategy is informed by hazard profiles from FEMA’s National Risk Index (NRI), with a primary focus on hurricane risk, followed by wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and, to a lesser extent, floods (due to response capability under PL 84-99 authority). (Gulf Coast Region

Name of Region MSC Associations

States & Outlying Areas

Pacific Coast NWD, SPD WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ The Pacific Coast region combines high population density with significant exposure to wildfires, particularly in CA, OR, and WA. It also includes substantial earthquake risk along the coastal region, which, while not frequently activated for, must still be considered. California alone has accounted for some of the most complex and resource-intensive disaster responses in recent years, justifying the highest capacity across all regions.

Rocky Mountain NWD, SPD ID, MT, ND, SD, NE, WY, CO, UT, NM This region contains states with notable wildfire and tornado risk, especially in the eastern parts of CO, WY, and NM. The lower capacity reflects both a lower historical activation rate and the more dispersed population, but sufficient coverage is maintained for seasonal fire and severe weather events.

Gulf Coast SWD, MVD, SAD TX, LA, MS AL, FL While this region has the highest hurricane risk nationally and a long history of catastrophic events (e.g., Katrina, Harvey, Ian), the states have indicated strong independent capabilities for debris removal. However, we have retained significant federal capacity due to the sheer magnitude of potential events and the importance of rapid mobilization during catastrophic scenarios.

Appalachian SAD, LRD, NAD GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, KY, TN This region combines hurricane risk (especially in the southeastern states) with mountainous terrain and riverine systems that make debris operations uniquely complex. While activations in this region are less frequent, the topography and access constraints significantly increase the need for pre-positioned logistical and operational support during disaster events, including those stemming from inland storms and landslides.

North Atlantic NAD ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC While hurricanes are less frequent in this region, past events such as Sandy demonstrated the catastrophic impact storms can have when they do occur. Coastal flooding and nor'easters also pose unique challenges. The region's dense infrastructure and urban concentration justify an elevated capacity.

Midwest LRD, MVD, SWD, NWD

MN, WI, MI, IA, IL, IN, OH, MO, AR, KS, OK

This region experiences frequent tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and inland flooding. It also includes the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a lesser-known but high-consequence earthquake risk area spanning several central states. While earthquake events here are rare, the scale of potential impact justifies consideration in our strategic planning. The proposed capacity ensures sufficient coverage for rapid debris response across broad rural and semi-urban zones.

Pacific Ocean POD AK, HI, CNMI, AS, GU, Other U.S. Outlying Areas within POD

This region faces considerable earthquake and tsunami risk, volcanic hazards, and remote logistics challenges. Hawaii also faces hurricane and wildfire risk, highlighted by recent destructive fires on Maui. The allocation supports both risk exposure and logistical complexity.

Caribbean Islands SAD PR, USVI, Other Outlying Areas within SAD This region is highly vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes, with past storms (e.g., Maria, Irma) causing widespread devastation and long-term recovery missions. The allocation reflects both high hazard exposure and the unique logistical demands of operating in these territories.

USACE Major Subordinate Command-Based Regionalization

The Division-based regional structure aligns with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operational framework, which organizes mission support and coordination through its established Division boundaries during emergency response operations. This alignment allows for clear command and control, streamlined tasking, and more efficient integration with USACE’s disaster response roles. Adjustments to the standard Division boundaries were made where analysis of hazard exposure, geographic complexity, and operational demands indicated the need for more refined coverage. For example, the South Atlantic Division (SAD) was divided into three sub-regions—including a dedicated Caribbean region—based on hazard modeling and historical storm patterns. With hurricane season impacting the Gulf, Atlantic, and Caribbean coasts, and the likelihood of back-to-back or simultaneous events across widespread, topographically diverse areas, this structure provides the Government with better operational flexibility.

Name of Region MSC Associations

States & Outlying Areas

Northwestern Division NWD WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, CO, ND, SD, NE, KS, MO Mississippi Valley Division MVD MN, WI, IL, IA, LA, MS Great Lakes and Ohio River

Division

LRD MI, IN, TN, KY, OH, WV

North Atlantic Division NAD ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, NY, DE, MD, DC, PA, NY, VA, RI

South Pacific Division SPD CA, NV, NM, AZ, UT Southwestern Division SWD TX, AR, OK

South Atlantic Division – A SAD AL, FL South Atlantic Division – B SAD NC, SC, GA South Atlantic Division – C SAD PR, USVI, Add’l Outlying Areas in SAD

Pacific Ocean Division POD AK, HI, CNMI, AS, GU, Add’l Outlying Areas in

POD