RICHMOND – Nearly $420,000 will be awarded to 19 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 will administer the funds, which are received annually from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“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.”
Secretary Moran announced this grant program 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.
“This federal emergency management grant funding will help localities better prepare our citizens and make Virginia communities more resilient,” said Dr. Jeffrey Stern, Virginia’s state coordinator of emergency management. “We will continue to explore innovative ways to invest in the Commonwealth’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency or disaster.”
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 by locality:
| Locality | Project Name | Total Budget Request |
| Amelia County | Mass Casualty/Active Shooter Equipment | $14,010 |
| Appomattox County | Emergency Shelter Equipment | $17,500 |
| Bath County | Emergency Shelter Equipment | $25,000 |
| Cumberland County | Mass Communication/Emergency Alerting System | $3,300 |
| Essex County | Mass Communication/Emergency Alerting System | $11,300 |
| Fairfax City | Outreach/Awareness Public Notification | $30,000 |
| Halifax County | Public Warning/System Upgrades | $27,816 |
| Hampton City | Active Shooter Training/Exercises & Emergency Shelter Equipment | $30,000 |
| Henry County | Active Shooter Training and Exercise Program | $30,000 |
| Isle of Wight County | Emergency Shelter Equipment | $16,600 |
| Mathews County | Emergency Shelter Equipment/Supplies | $30,000 |
| Newport News City | Flood Alert and Warning System | $30,000 |
| Page County | Active Shooter Training Program | $30,000 |
| Roanoke City | Active Shooter Training Program | $24,000 |
| Roanoke County | Emergency Shelter Equipment | $20,000 |
| Southampton County | Emergency Shelter Equipment | $15,757 |
| Suffolk City | Mass Communication/Emergency Alerting System | $19,000 |
| Virginia Beach City | Active Shooter Training and Exercise Program | $10,500 |
| Virginia Beach City | Pet Sheltering Project | $9,680 |
| Wise County | Mass Communication/Emergency Alerting System | $25,000 |
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Contact Information:
Name: Amanda Reidelbach
Phone: (804) 897-6510 or (804) 674-2400
Email: Amanda.Reidelbach@vdem.virginia.gov
Address: 10501 Trade Court | Richmond, Virginia | 23226
Be ready. Be willing to help.
Virginia Disaster Relief Fund
How is the money distributed?
Fund proceeds will be distributed to local long-term recovery groups, members of the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and other non-profit and faith-based organizations as a grant.
Many of these groups work directly with individuals and families following a disaster.
How else can I donate?
The Virginia Disaster Relief Fund benefits projects that include: repair or rebuilding of underinsured dwellings, transportation assistance, replacing essential household items, helping renters establish new rental residence, temporary living expenses while recovering from loss, and more.
How can I donate?
If you want to help, send checks made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia with “Virginia Disaster Relief Fund” noted in the memo line to:
Comptroller’s Office
P.O. Box 1971
Richmond, VA 23218-1971
