Governor Douglas today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded over $1.2 million in grants to the Vermont Homeland Security Unit to assist with increased interoperability and improvements to the state s emergency operations center. In November of 2008 FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security made available over 3 billion dollars in grant funding for fiscal year 2009. The Vermont Homeland Security Unit, a division of the Vermont State Police and Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) qualified for and applied for several programs.
These funds are critical to our emergency response system, said Governor Douglas. Grants will be used to improve interoperability among emergency responders and ensure that we have the tools we need to handle any emergency.
Based on qualifications, applications were submitted and the following three programs, to date, have been awarded:
FY 2009 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) for the amount of $17,500
FY 2009 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) for the amount of $242,875
FY 2009 Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program for the amount of $1,000,000
The Port Security Grant Program will provide funding for the capabilities to respond to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in a marine environment.
Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program allows funding to enhance emergency communications for first responders. This will be broken down into two areas, planning and exercises.
Emergency Operations Centers Grant Program will provide the funds for Vermont Emergency Management s need to update the Emergency Operations Center to meet the needs to respond to all hazards that may impact Vermonters. This will allow for a modest expansion to the existing facility with a new shared secure entry way. It also allows for renovation to the existing building for training and classrooms.
Source: Governor's Office