The National Governors Association (NGA) held a summit with stakeholders in Detroit this week, drawing experts and politicians together to discuss trends and practices related to securing vital infrastructure against threats, both natural and manmade.
In all, three governors attended, including the state’s host, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Also in attendance were NGA Chair and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. It marked the second of four stakeholder summits Hogan intends to hold in support of his 2019-2020 initiative, Infrastructure: Foundation for Success.
“While no public policy can prevent all disasters, governors and leaders across America can show real leadership, and work together to find innovative new ways to withstand disasters better, and to respond and recover more quickly,” Hogan said. “Throughout this bipartisan summit, we discussed the most effective measures that governors can take to fulfill our most important responsibility: protecting our states and our citizens.”
State officials and private industry executives addressed technological innovations and best practices with a focus on fighting both cyberattacks and extreme weather challenges. In particular, they sought the best means of protecting energy systems, water, and stormwater facilities, as well as the transportation sector.
“As the climate changes, we must continue the work to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on our infrastructure and our communities,” Whitmer said. “Michigan is home to tough, innovative people who are stepping up and helping prepare our state for the future, whether it’s by joining in on efforts to combat climate change or keeping us safe from cyberattacks. I’m proud to work together with my fellow governors and leaders from across the country who are taking bold steps to protect us from harm.”