07.25.14

Hoeven Announces More Than $7 Million in FEMA Grants Awarded to North Dakota to Ensure Safety and Preparedness

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded North Dakota three grants totaling more than $7 million to help with state and local preparedness programs to ensure the safety of all North Dakotans.

“Maintaining the safety and well-being of citizens is the most fundamental role of our government," said Hoeven. "These FEMA grants will help ensure that our local, state and tribal law enforcement and government agencies have the funding needed to train their employees and implement the programs needed to prevent or handle any possible challenges our state might face.”

Through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), a $3.7 grant has been awarded to implement state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to prevent acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events.

A separate $3 million grant has been awarded under the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program to assist state, local and tribal governments in preparing for possible hazards. State emergency management agencies can use the grant to obtain the resources needed to prevent hazards.

Finally, a separate $433,149 grant has been awarded through the Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) program to enhance cooperation and coordination between local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of North Dakota’s international border.

The three FEMA grants awarded to North Dakota are allocated under the Fiscal Year 2014 state and local preparedness grant programs. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Hoeven is working to secure funds that support public safety and emergency preparedness efforts in North Dakota.