Department Of Homeland Security Makes Funds Available To Washington For All-Hazards Emergency And Terrorism Preparedness
Release Date: April 18, 2003
Release Number: R10-03-36
Washington, D.C. -- Tom Ridge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, today announced that the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, known as FEMA, has made $3,282,282 available to Washington for all-hazards emergency management activities. These funds represent a significant increase in the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program, which supports State and local emergency management departments and agencies.
"This grant will give Washington and its local communities the flexibility to allocate funds according to risk and vulnerabilities and to address the most urgent State and local needs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery," said Undersecretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael D. Brown. "These grants are further evidence of this administration's commitment to State and local governments for all-hazards mitigation and preparedness efforts."
The existence and effectiveness of state and local organizations is critical to the success of all aspects of FEMA's mission, but especially to disaster response operations. Local emergency managers plan, train, exercise and provide the facilities needed to coordinate all emergency services in response to disasters of all kinds. They also assume the leading role in mitigation program activities, those designed to reduce the vulnerability of communities to all-hazards.
EMPG funding was allocated among the States on the basis of population and with consideration given to risk and vulnerability assessments. FEMA has adopted a method of allocation using current population estimates and base amounts derived from the minimums for local preparedness support included in the USA Patriot Act. The Citizen Corps program and council development is also allowable under the EMPG Program.
The EMPG program, which was first awarded in FY 2000, was intended to consolidate funding streams that FEMA provides to state emergency management departments and agencies.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Apr-2003 11:32:19