Carper, Coons, Carney Highlight FEMA Preparedness Grant Application Period

WASHINGTON- Today, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.) highlighted the beginning of the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Preparedness Grants program. Applicants must submit their applications to FEMA no later than May 19, 2015 and final allocations will be determined by July 23, 2015. This year, the State of Delaware is eligible for $3.7 million through the State Homeland Security Program.

“I often say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – and when it comes to being prepared for natural or manmade disasters, a little extra planning can go a long way,” said Sen. Carper, ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “These FEMA grants help states and localities prepare and fortify their defenses against natural and manmade hazards. I encourage potential applicants to review their needs, put together a plan, and apply for these lifesaving grants.”

“In communities across Delaware, we’ve seen what can happen when we’re not prepared for disaster situations,” said Sen. Coons.  “That’s why this application period is so important, so that state and local governments can prepare for the worst well ahead of time.”

“Natural and manmade disasters can be devastating to local communities without the proper resources, personnel, and infrastructure to respond,” said Congressman John Carney. “That’s why the funding made available through FEMA’s Preparedness Grants program is so important for local governments and other potential applicants. These grants provide a real opportunity to improve safety and to ensure that the harmful effects of disasters are minimized throughout Delaware’s communities. I join Senators Carper and Coons in encouraging interested entities and organizations to apply.”  

FEMA’s Preparedness Grants program is a series of grants that provide recipients with the funding to build and sustain homeland security capabilities through planning, organizational resources, equipment, training, and exercises. The State Homeland Security Grant program provides states with funding for these purposes. In addition to this grant program, FEMA offers a variety of other grants to state, local, tribal governments, and nonprofits:

• Urban Areas Security Initiative
• Operation Stonegarden
• Urban Area Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program
• Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program
• Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak) Program
• Port Security Grant Program
• Transit Security Grant Program 

For more information on each grant and guidance for how to apply, visit:  www.fema.gov/grants.
 

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