FEMA is making billion-dollar changes in light of recent environmental tragedies
According to a news release, FEMA, otherwise known as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said it is “marking billions of dollars in federal funding” to “help states manage their response to disasters like fires, floods, tornadoes, [and] hurricanes.”
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This decision was no doubt informed by the multitude of natural disasters that have afflicted America in just the past few months – from the California wildfires to the devastating flooding in Texas’ Hill Country.
FEMA noted the grant money would be funnelled into a variety of disaster response tactics, from training rescue teams to purchasing equipment such as generators and mobile command vehicles.
Additionally, FEMA said its funds would also be used to handle national security threats.
“They will fund specialized training for first responders and local officials, strengthening their ability to manage an event like a coordinated cyberattack or incident involving weapons of mass destruction,” the release explained. “Funds will also provide physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack, and will support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.”
Five programs are contained within this new grant and are described as having the following roles, according to FEMA:
- Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program: This program plans to make money available to “hire and train more staff, buy critical equipment like generators and mobile command vehicles, and establish interoperable communications systems to help first responders connect during disasters.”
- Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Response System: This program will “provide funding to ensure the 28 national task forces can conduct around-the-clock search-and-rescue operations following a major disaster like a hurricane, wildfire or terrorist attack.”
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP): This program will “provide money to help faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their defenses against the many threats they face, including targeted attacks and acts of terrorism.”
- Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP): This program provides funding that will be used for “projects that align with specific homeland security goals like improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, enhancing cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, strengthening security of crowded spaces like concerts or parades, and securing the border.”
- Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) National Domestic Preparedness Consortium: This program will “fund specialized training for state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement and first responders to prepare for high-consequence threats like a coordinated cyber-attack, biological weapon or a nuclear explosive.”
Additionally, funds are said to be allocated towards dam safety programs and other infrastructural projects.
“President [Donald] Trump has been clear: States will be empowered and responsible for managing disaster response and protecting their communities,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator David Richardson. “That’s why FEMA is focused on equipping states with the resources they need to take charge of their own emergency preparedness, including through federal grant programs. We are making money available to state and local governments, helping them get the equipment, training, and personnel they need to face destructive storms and other disasters.”
To learn more about the federal funds, click here.
