TO:	All State Administrative Agency Heads All State Administrative Agency Points of Contact All State Homeland Security Directors All State Emergency Management Directors
FROM:	C. Suzanne Mencer Executive Director
SUBJECT:	FY 2005 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) - Integration Update

Background
The EMPG program was transferred to the ODP per Secretary Ridge's 23 January memorandum to Congress, in which the Secretary stated his intent to establish the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). The purpose of the consolidation is not to shift or change the use or purpose of any of the available funding, but rather to enhance overall coordination across the Department's preparedness assistance programs.

Integration
In the past few weeks, ODP has met with representatives from FEMA and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) to identify and discuss issues related to the transfer of the program. Both sessions proved to be very productive and focused on strengthening connections between EMPG and other ODP programs. ODP will continue to work with NEMA and your emergency management agencies to ensure program integration and enhancement. Additionally, FEMA has detailed personnel from the FEMA regions - the program managers that are the most familiar with the EMPG program - to assist as part of this program integration. ODP remains committed to ensuring that the EMPG program continues to provide the service and support it has in the past.

Next Steps
All emergency management agencies should begin planning for FY 2005 based on the existing FY 2004 EMPG guidance and funding levels until such time as you receive updated information. In the near future, and in direct cooperation with FEMA and based on input from NEMA, ODP will issue the FY 2005 EMPG guidance.