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FEMA Awards $1.8 Million To South Carolina For State And Local Emergency Preparedness

Release No.: RIV-145-02-SC
Release Date: December 16, 2002

Atlanta, GA - Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today announced FEMA will grant $1,790,382 to the State of South Carolina for state and local responders and emergency management to become better prepared to respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters. The funds are being provided through the fiscal year 2002 supplemental appropriation as part of President Bush's First Responder Initiative.

"This grant will give South Carolina and its local communities a down payment on plans to modernize and strengthen preparedness statewide," Allbaugh said. "This is critical to supporting first responders and preparing South Carolina for all kinds of disasters."

Of the $1,790,382 awarded to the State, $1,405,757 will be provided for updating state and local plans and procedures to respond to all hazards, with a focus on weapons of mass destruction. The updated plans will help address a common incident command system, mutual aid agreements, resource typing and standards, interoperability protocols, critical infrastructure protection, and continuity of operations for state and local governments. Administered by FEMA's Office of National Preparedness, at least 75 percent of the grant amount is required to go to local governments. The funds will assist local governments develop comprehensive plans, linked through mutual aid agreements, outlining the specific roles for all first responders (fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical service, public works, etc.) in responding to terrorist incidents and other disasters.

"I applaud President Bush's strong support and dedication to the First Responder Initiative Program," Allbaugh said. "We can never thank First Responders enough for the work they do and the lives they save, but giving them financial support and additional resources is a great place to start."

This award will also provide $50,000 to South Carolina in 2002 funds to assess the State's Emergency Operations Center. There was a previous award of $334,625 to the State to support the formation of Citizen Corps Councils.