Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

December 18, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Announces $4.2 Million Homeland Security Grant for N.C.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), who serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Homeland Security, today announced that the state has received a $4.25 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to prepare for disasters and terrorism. The grant is part of $173.5 million in grants made nationwide through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPGs) program.

"This money is good news for North Carolina and our efforts to keep all our state safe," Etheridge said. "Our local first responders are on the frontlines of homeland security day in and day out. These funds are critically important to provide needed resources to make sure all our communities are protected. Keeping North Carolinians and Americans safe is the top priority."

The Department of Homeland Security EMPG program supports comprehensive emergency management at the State and local levels and encourages the improvement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities for all hazards. Funds provided under the EMPG may, and should, be used to support activities that contribute to capability to prevent, to prepare for, and to recover from natural and man-made disasters. EMPGs allow states to distribute funds according to risk vulnerabilities and to address the most urgent state and local needs.

States may use EMPG funding to:

Improve disaster response and recovery capabilities by maintaining and improving State and local emergency operations plans;
Reduce vulnerability to hazards by improving State mitigation plans;
Develop mutual aid agreements;
Support catastrophic planning;
Coordinate or participate in the development of an inter-jurisdiction exercise program.
Sponsor and participate in all-hazards exercises.
Participate in the National Emergency Management Baseline Capability Assurance Program.
Support and participate in Community Preparedness activities.
Develop Disaster Logistics Support and Distribution Plans.
Provide Public Assistance Program training for State staff.
Develop a State or Local Continuity of Operations Plan.
Develop a State plan to test the Emergency Alert System to include citizen participation and feedback.

Money from the program was allocated by giving each state and territory a base amount, insular areas were assigned an additional amount, and the rest of the funding was distributed based on population.