Several Hampton Roads localities are the recipients of over $131,000 in preparedness and resiliency grant funds from the Supplemental Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (SLEMPG) program. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management will administer the funds, which are received annually from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Statewide, nearly $420,000 will be awarded to 19 localities. 

"Our top priority remains the safety of the Commonwealth and its citizens, and these grants are a prime example of how we can continue to strengthen our commitment to localities across the state," said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Brian Moran. "This is an integral piece to building a more resilient Virginia."

The grant program was announced at a regional resiliency conference in May focusing on five key areas: sheltering supplies and/or equipment, access and functional needs programs supplies and/or equipment, public alerting, warning and notification systems, mass casualty and/or active shooter programs, equipment, training and/or exercises, and pet sheltering supplies and/or equipment. This year’s competitive grant application process focused on projects that would create or enhance these capabilities.

The SLEMPG funds enable enhancements to the Commonwealth’s preparedness for all types of disasters—natural or human-caused. The funds also allow communities to strengthen their capabilities to respond to the needs of their citizens and create a stronger, more prepared, and more resilient Commonwealth.

Localities were invited to submit applications to support the priority areas for up to $30,000.  Each awarded project is also required to provide a one-to-one local match for the project.  A total of 37 projects were submitted by 29 localities. Below is a listing of the grant allocation awarded to Hampton Roads’ localities: