WASHINGTON – The State of Connecticut will receive $2,527,979 in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for important emergency preparedness activities, Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman announced today. These funds will support both activities that enhance emergency preparedness and response to natural disasters and activities that seek to prevent other disasters, such as fires and hazardous materials spills.
“All of us are proud of the people who help protect our state from harm. This funding will better help them do a very difficult job,” Dodd said. “Each dollar spent on helping to better prepare our state from disasters is money well spent, and I’m hopeful that more resources can be provided to provide residents with better protection and peace of mind.” “This funding is important to help Connecticut prepare for terrorism, but also to prepare for disasters of all-kinds,” Lieberman said. “Connecticut must be ready today to prevent and cope with the possible disasters of tomorrow. We have much more to do before we are adequately prepared, but this funding will help.” DHS awards the money as part of the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Connecticut’s Office of Emergency Management will be charged with allocating the funds to address the most urgent state and local needs to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters.