The purpose of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019 HMEP grant is to increase State, Tribal, and local effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials incidents, enhance implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), and encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. Through this grant program, PHMSA seeks to increase the effectiveness of hazardous materials response and preparedness efforts, and reduce the risks associated with the bulk transport of highly flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials, throughout the United States.
HMEP funds are available to:
- Develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), including ascertaining flow patterns of hazardous material on lands under the jurisdiction of a State, Native American Tribes, and between lands under the jurisdiction of a State or tribe and lands of another State or tribe.
- Train public sector employees to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous material incidents. To the extent that a grant is used to train emergency responders, the applicant must ensure that the emergency responders who receive training under the grant will have the ability to protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material in accordance with existing regulations.
The following types of projects will be given priority:
- Hazmat Technician Level Trainings
- Hazmat Operations Level Trainings
- Hazmat Awareness Level Trainings
- Local Hazmat Planning*
- Hazmat Exercises