Rep. John Maher (R-Upper St. Clair) today applauded the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency?s distribution of $264,313 in grant money to Washington and Allegheny counties for emergency planning and training needs.
"It is comforting to know our community is being provided with the funding needed to increase its preparedness in the event of an emergency," Maher said. "I have sincere confidence in our community?s first responders and believe this grant will help expand their abilities to address emergency situations."
Under the PEMA grant program Allegheny County received $206,389 while Washington County was awarded $57,924.
The money allocated to the counties was provided as part of a $3.7 million PEMA budget appropriation that was part of the Commonwealth?s 2003-2004 budget. The funding, which will be distributed statewide, is slated to help all 67 counties with expenses attributed to emergency training and planning.
Washington County has already marked its grant money to purchase computer hardware and video conferencing equipment to help train municipal officials and community emergency responders. Allegheny County will use the funding to purchase similar technical equipment and to assess and review the county?s emergency system.
"By ensuring our abilities to react to unforeseen emergencies, we subsequently increase the overall safety of our residents and the men and women who respond to these incidents," Maher said. "Preparation is a vital factor in prevention, and I believe our counties? emergency responders will significantly benefit from this grant."
The PEMA grants were the second allocations provided to the two counties in as many months. In May, Allegheny and Washington counties received money from PEMA-distributed federal funding to address incidents involving hazardous materials. The previous allotment provided Allegheny County with $10,570 and Washington County with $4,400.
Rep. John Maher
40th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 831-8080
(717) 783-1522
(412) 760-4040
www.repmaher.com
Contact: Todd Brysiak
House Republican Communications
(717) 787-3993
www.pahousegop.com