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FEMA Awards WA State $2.5 Million For State And Local Preparedness

Release No.: 03-16
Release Date: December 13, 2003

Washington, DC -- Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, today announced that FEMA will grant $2,540,315 to Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 on behalf of Director Allbaugh and President Bush today at the Washington State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray. "Washington has repeatedly demonstrated its solid dedication to pre-disaster planning and mitigation initiatives to protect its citizens from natural disasters and acts of terrorism," said Pennington. "This award, in part, ensures that these efforts are rewarded and enhanced into the near future."

Of the total amount awarded, $2,071,772 will be provided to Washington State for updating state and local plans and procedures to respond to all hazards, with a focus on weapons of mass destruction; $50,000 for Washington Phase I Emergency Operations Center (EOC) assessment, and $418,543 to CERT/Citizen Corps.