Contact:
Ray Bowman
Emergency Information Officer (502) 607-1611
FAX: 607-1670
News Release
Kentucky Division of
Emergency Management
Boone
Center
Malcolm Franklin,
Director Frankfort,
40601-6168
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Please
pass on to your assignment or desk editor.
FRANKFORT (November 14, 2002) - Through a supplemental
appropriation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in August
2002, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing $225 million
in grants to state and local governments. These grants can be used for emergency
planning, Citizen Corps, community preparedness, and improvements to Emergency
Operations Centers. The funds will
assist local governments in developing comprehensive plans that are linked
through mutual aid agreements and that outline the specific roles for all first
responders (fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical service, public
works, etc.) in responding to terrorist incidents and other disasters.
“During these uncertain times, Kentucky must seek
all available opportunities to build our internal security within the federal
framework,” according to Governor Paul E. Patton. “These funds will help us better prepare our local
responders to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
In the first round of grants, Kentucky will receive
about $2.3 million with 75 percent
of that total going to county governments for updating emergency plans and
procedures. The updated plans will address a common incident command system,
mutual aid agreements, resource typing and standards, interoperability
protocols, critical infrastructure protection, and continuity of operations for
local governments. The local funds,
which have already been allocated, will be available after the first of the
year. The remaining 25 percent
stays with state government to fund planning and training on the state and
regional level and to fund assessment of all local emergency operations centers.
Two major issues addressed by the grants will be
Citizen’s Corp and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs.)
Kentucky will work with the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteers
and Service to establish and promote a Citizens Corps Council.
The state CERT funds will pay for administration and training. The local money will go to eligible counties for training and
to establish local councils.
-30-