On March 21, Governor Ralph Northam announced a grant award totaling nearly $420,000 to 28 localities across the Commonwealth as part of a competitive process under the Supplemental Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (SLEMPG) program. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) administers the funds, which Virginia receives annually from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Five member jurisdictions of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission were among the 28 localities receiving grants.

 “Virginia is home to many important assets and facilities that require special security, therefore it is imperative we take a proactive approach to ensuring our localities are best equipped to handle any potential disaster,” said Governor Ralph Northam. 

The SLEMPG program focuses on five key areas: mass casualty equipment or supplies; mass care equipment or supplies, including supplies for the elderly, children and infants, citizens with access or functional needs, sheltering supplies for pets; public alert, warning and notification systems; civil disturbance joint planning, training, or equipment; and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) equipment. This year’s competitive grant application process focused on projects that would create or enhance these capabilities.

Localities were invited to submit proposals to support the priority areas for up to $30,000. Localities are required to provide a one-to-one local match for  each awarded project. A total of 47 projects were submitted by 37 localities. Below is a listing of the HRPDC communities receiving grants; the allocation awarded and project type.