Homeland Security Provides Nearly $34,000 For Tribal Hazardous Materials Training
Release Date: August 9, 2004
Release Number: R9-04-060
» 2004 Region IX News Releases
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced grants totaling nearly $33,928 to two tribal nations in Nevada. The funding will allow the tribes to provide hazardous materials training to tribal first responders.
The Walker River Paiute Tribe will receive $20,428 and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe will receive $13,500 in federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 grants. They will use the funds to train first responders in the incident command system, fire rescue operations, emergency medical treatment, and other aspects of hazardous materials emergency response.
“These funds will help these tribal nations prepare for and respond to hazardous materials incidents,” said Karen Armes, Acting Regional Director, FEMA Region IX. “FEMA’s goal is to help all local responders develop the information and the expertise needed to effectively handle chemical hazards,” Armes said.
The tribes are required to provide a 20 percent matching share either in cash, as in-kind contribution or any combination of the two, bringing the total project costs to $24,513 for the Walker River tribe and $16,883 for the Pyramid Lake tribe.
Title III of SARA requires that every community develop an emergency plan outlining how it would prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. According to the law, tribal nations fall under the same requirements as the states. Some have entered into agreements with states to meet their responsibilities. Those that choose to act independently are required by SARA to form tribal emergency response commissions and designate a local emergency planning committee. The emergency plan must identify local facilities and transportation routes where hazardous materials are present; outline the procedures for immediate response in case of an accident (including a community-wide evacuation plan); develop a plan for notifying the community that an incident has occurred; list the names of response coordinators at local facilities; and include a plan for conducting exercises to test the plan.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 09-Aug-2004 14:54:44