DHS Announces $34 Million in Emergency Operations Center Grants

EOCs may request up to $1 million for construction projects or up to $250,000 for renovation projects through the FY 2009 EOC Grant Program. The program also requires a federal match of 75 percent and a 25 percent grantee cost-share cash or in-kind match for FY 2009.

Funding for the program totals $34,002,500 and was allocated under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009. This year, $21,645,000 of the total EOC Grant Program has been appropriated by Congress for designated state and local EOC projects throughout the nation. The remaining $12,357,500 will be allocated competitively to eligible state, local or tribal governments.

The governor of each state and territory has designated a State Administrative Agency (SAA) to apply for and administer funds under the program. The SAA is the only eligible entity able to apply for the available funding on behalf of eligible state, local and tribal EOCs.

The SAA, in coordination with the state emergency management agency, will review all EOC project applications and prioritize projects based on state, local and tribal priorities and needs to ensure applications are consistent with statewide efforts and priorities. A national review panel including national and regional DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency staff and peer subject matter experts will determine the competitive allocations.

EOC applications must be submitted via http://www.grants.gov no later than Feb. 27, 2009. For more information on the EOC Grant Program and other DHS grant programs, visit http://www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.