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Alaska To Receive Emergency Preparedness Grants

Release No.: 03-13
Release Date: December 12, 2003

Washington, DC -- Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, today announced that FEMA will grant $454,844 to Alaska for state and local responders and emergency management to become better prepared to respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters. "This grant will give Alaska 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 Alaska for all kinds of disasters."

The funds are being provided through the fiscal year 2002 supplemental appropriation as part of President Bush's First Responder Initiative. "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."

FEMA Regional Director John Pennington personally delivered the message to Alaska on behalf of Director Allbaugh and President Bush today at the Anchorage Disaster Field Office, established to coordinate recovery efforts following the October 23 winter storms and the November 3 earthquake. "Alaska already has a strong reputation for leading the nation in training their citizens in emergency response. This award, in part, ensures that these efforts are rewarded and enhanced into the near future," said Pennington.

Of the total amount awarded, $219,666 will be provided to the State of Alaska for updating state and local plans and procedures to respond to all hazards, with a focus on weapons of mass destruction; $50,000 for Alaska Emergency Operations Center (EOC) assessment, and $185,178 to CERT/Citizen Corps.