The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has announced the awarding of $2.7 million in grant funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG).

The EMPG program is a federally funded, state distributed, grant program. The grant focuses on funding planning, operations, equipment acquisitions, trainings, exercises,

construction and renovation efforts at the local government level.

Among those receiving the grant include, Appomattox County, $7,500; Cumberland County, $7,500; Farmville Town, $12,180; Buckingham County, $7,500; and Prince Edward County, $9,436.

“Delivering core capabilities requires the combined efforts of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government,” said State Coordinator Jeff Stern. “The grant program supports efforts across the commonwealth to build and sustain core capabilities across key mission areas including prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. Federal grant funding is essential in supporting local emergency management programs.”

Grant funding for the program is available to cities, counties and those towns recognized as emergency management jurisdictions under Title 44 of the Code of Virginia.

The EMPG program provides resources to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards. Through the grant program, the federal government provides coordination, guidance, and assistance to support a comprehensive emergency preparedness system to address all hazards.