In local governments across the United States, the responsibility for emergency preparedness and response rests with a variety of local government officials and agencies. The implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act depends in large part on the success of the activities of the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and individual local governments. It is imperative that local government officials and other individuals who participate in LEPCs understand the requirements of the act and what is necessary to prepare their communities for hazardous materials emergencies.

With a grant from the Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office, the International City Management Association is now able to coordinate peer exchanges in Title III. The EPA/ICMA Title III Peer Exchange Program matches community leaders who need advice or assistance with their peers who have successfully addressed emergency planning and community right-to-know needs. This program also encourages better communication and cooperation with the private sector, while working to increase citizen awareness of and involvement in Title III activities.

In this era of budget constraints and limited resources, the need for information sharing and open lines of communication between LEPCs is more important than ever. Peer exchanges uniquely address this situation by bringing LEPC members together to discuss areas of common concern. Initial reports indicate that the program is exceeding the expectations of peer match participants. According to Duane C. Sharp, the coordinator of the Park County Wyoming LEPC, "the peer exchange meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado with myself and Frank Luciani (El Paso County, CO LEPC) on April 26, 1991 was excellent. I returned to Cody loaded with material and ideas to put in place in my jurisdiction. I certainly believe it is worthwhile."

ICMA Environmental Programs needs help in identifying both advisors and recipients for these peer exchanges. If your town or city has a successful Title III program or if it needs practical advice from an experienced LEPC, we want to hear from you. For more information, call Sarith Guerra, project manager. Peer Exchange Program, at (202) 962-3649. •

July 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 15