Department of Homeland Security Announces Recipients of Emergency Operations Centers Grants 

Louisiana Receives $232,118 to Facilitate Critical Work on Operations Center

Release Date: September 25, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-123

Denton, TX - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Louisiana will receive $232,118 to upgrade the state emergency operations center. The grants announced today are part of $73.9 million in funds being made available for improvements to and construction of state and local emergency operations centers (EOCs) around the country.

"Maintaining strong EOCs is essential for the effective direction, control, and coordination of emergency response efforts," said DHS Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael D. Brown. "The funds will be used on projects that range from the construction of new EOCs to providing alternate sites for continuity of operations purposes."

"With the grant announced today, we plan to install a security system in our existing EOC, and make improvements to our alternate EOC sites" said COL Mike Brown, Assistant Director, Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The grants being distributed by FEMA are designed to help improve emergency preparedness and management by ensuring that EOCs have the suitable capabilities that provide flexibility, sustainability, security, survivability, and interoperability when responding to emergencies.

The grants were awarded through a competitive application process and were in addition to funds previously provided to all states in December 2002. The earlier funding provided each state with $50,000 to conduct an initial assessment of the hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks to state and local existing EOCs. In addition to funding the initial assessments, $4.3 million was awarded to the states to provide secure communications capabilities.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 25-Sep-2003 14:07:30