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 April 25, 2016 and final allocations will be determined by June 29, 2016. This year, the State of Delaware is eligible for $3.7 million through the State Homeland Security Grant Program.

“During last month’s historic snowstorm, we saw how a little extra planning can go a long way toward fortifying our state from natural disaster,” said Sen. Carper, ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “These FEMA grants help states and localities prepare for natural and manmade hazards and can help save lives. I encourage potential applicants across the state to make full use of these important grant programs.”

“In communities and neighborhoods up and down our state, we’ve witnessed what can happen when we are 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.”

“As a low-lying state, Delaware is especially vulnerable to the threats that come with storms such as Sandy and Jonas,” said Rep. Carney. “These grants help ensure we’re fully prepared when such storms hit. I hope Delaware’s emergency responders will make the most of this funding opportunity and apply this Spring.”

FEMA’s Preparedness Grants program is a series of grants that provide recipients with funding to build and sustain homeland security capabilities through planning, organizational resources, equipment, training, and exercises. The Department of Homeland Security’s Preparedness Grant Program provides states with specific funding levels for the State Homeland Security Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, and Operation Stonegarden. 

In addition to this grant program, FEMA offers the following competitive grants to state, local, tribal governments, and nonprofits:

•       Nonprofit Security Grant Program

•       Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program

•       Intercity Bus Security Grant Program 

•       Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak) Program

•       Port Security Grant Program

•       Transit Security Grant Program

•       Emergency Management Performance Grant* (Due March 18, 2016)

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