HISTORIC TRIANGLE — The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has announced that it has awarded over $2.6 million in funding through its Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) for fiscal year 2021, to include amounts distributed locally.
This particular program was founded to provide resources to local governments throughout the Commonwealth while preparing for various hazards. A release from VDEM notes that through the grant program, the federal government “provides coordination, guidance, and assistance to support a comprehensive emergency preparedness system.”
“I am proud of this substantial investment in emergency preparedness across the Commonwealth,” said Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J. Moran. “The COVID-19 pandemic and rising threat of climate change has shown us that our local communities need the resources to prepare for an emergency of any calamity and this grant funding will allow them to achieve this goal.”
The funding is available to cities, towns and counties that are recognized as emergency management jurisdictions under Title 44 of the Code of Virginia.
The following amounts were awarded locally:
| Locality | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gloucester County | $13,644 |
| James City County | $39,978 |
| Poquoson (City of) | $7,500 |
| Williamsburg (City of) | $7,500 |
| York County | $50,335 |
*Information in this table comes courtesy of a Oct. 1, 2021 release from the VDEM.
“VDEM continues to support the local emergency managers by ensuring they have the resources to support their community,” said State Coordinator of Emergency Management Curtis Brown. “This grant program provides the opportunity for [the Commonwealth] to build and sustain critical capabilities across key mission areas including prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.”
To learn more about other grant opportunities through the VDEM, visit its website.