Washington, DC —Joe M. Allbaugh, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced today that FEMA will provide $225 million in grants to help state and local responders and emergency management become better prepared to respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters. The funds are being provided through the FY 2002 supplemental appropriation as part of the President Bush's First Responder Initiative.

"This funding will give state and local communities a down payment on resources to modernize plans and strengthen preparedness nationwide," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "These planning steps are critical to supporting first responders and preparing for all kinds of disasters."

Of the $225 million, funds totaling $100 million will be provided for updating plans and procedures to respond to all hazards, with a focus on weapons of mass destruction. The updated plans will 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, the funds will flow through the states, with at least 75 percent going to local governments. The funds will assist local governments in developing comprehensive plans that are linked through mutual aid agreements and that outline 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.

FEMA also will provide $56 million in 2002 funds to upgrade state Emergency Operations Centers. States and territories will receive a base allocation and then must submit grant proposals for additional funding. A total of $25 million is available for Citizen Corps activities, including Citizen Corps Councils and expanded training for FEMA's Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) across the country.

Additional FY 2002 funds include $7 million for secure communications, $5 million to begin laying the groundwork for a National Mutual Aid System, and $32.4 million for weapons of mass destruction training for FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue task forces.

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