Carper, Coons, Carney Highlight $3.2 Million Grant from FEMA

WASHINGTON- Today, Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney (All D-Del.) announced an award from the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Awards from the grant are used to enhance emergency response capabilities of states. In FY 2014, Delaware will be awarded $3.2 million, an increase from $3.06 million in FY2013.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Performance Grant Program is a critical source of funding for our state’s first responders and emergency management personnel,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “As a low-lying, coastal state, Delaware has seen its share of natural disasters, particularly in the past few years. The funds from the grant will help to ensure that our emergency management agencies are prepared to take on whatever may come next and save lives.” 

“The safety of our communities depends on the investments we make in emergency-preparedness,” said Senator Coons. “As the lowest mean elevation state in the country, Delaware and our coastal communities are often among the hardest hit when extreme weather occurs. This funding will help us continue to invest in making our state more resilient and will ensure our first responders have the resources they need to protect Delawareans in an emergency.”

“Delaware’s emergency responders work hard to protect us.  They often put themselves in danger to ensure the health and safety of others,” said Congressman Carney.  “This funding helps provide the equipment and training they need to be successful.  It’s an investment that pays off for our entire state.”

The EMPG is an annual grant from the Department of Homeland Security that provides resources to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in preparing for disasters. Total funding for the program in the FY2014 is $350,100,000. Funding from the program is supposed to be put towards planning, operations, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, construction and renovation in enhancing and sustaining a state’s disaster response capabilities. For more information about the grant, visit FEMA’s website: http://www.fema.gov/grants.