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Hazardous Materials Response Teams. Legislative Audit Bureau February 2002. Contract with State 8 teams $1.4 million GPR in FY 2001-2002 Worker’s Compensation paid by State. Contract with counties 35 teams $468,000 GPR for equipment grants to counties
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Hazardous Materials Response Teams Legislative Audit Bureau February 2002
Contract with State 8 teams $1.4 million GPR in FY 2001-2002 Worker’s Compensation paid by State Contract with counties 35 teams $468,000 GPR for equipment grants to counties Worker’s Compensation paid by counties Level A Teams Level B Teams
Reimbursement by Responsible Parties • $213,000 recovered by the teams in 1998-2000 • Recovery policies and rates charged vary • Vehicle charges varied from $29 to $150 per hour • Mileage rates varied from $0.50 per mile to $5.00 per mile
State Reimbursement • State reimbursement possible if responsible party unable to pay, or not found • State appropriation for reimbursement nearly depleted--$39,200 at beginning of FY 2001-2002 • Recommend WEM develop standard rates for reimbursement
Future Considerations • Funding levels and terrorism preparedness • Further definition of respective roles of Level A and Level B teams
Funding Levels • Terrorism threats and anthrax hoaxes have highlighted the need for well-trained and equipped first responders • Wisconsin is a leader in state support for local hazmat teams
Additional New Funding • $3.1 million in new federal funding approved in January 2002 • Governor proposes $3.6 million in GPR through June 30, 2003, for grants to local emergency planning committees for equipment for first responders, including firefighters.
Some Efficiency Gains Are Possible • Some confusion exists over when Level A or Level B teams should respond to incidents • The Superior region, and some other states, use Level B teams as chemical assessment teams to quickly and inexpensively determine whether a full Level A response is necessary
Hazardous Materials Response Teams Legislative Audit Bureau February 2002