State Emergency Officials Concerned About FEMA Grant Delays
State emergency management officials are facing funding challenges from the federal government, which they claim threaten the country's ability to respond to crises.
Severe cuts to federal security grants, restrictions on preparedness funds, and funding delays due to litigation are causing confusion, frustration, and concern among state crisis managers.
“Every day we remain in this grant purgatory reduces the time available to responsibly and effectively spend these critical funds,”said Kiele Amundson, communications director at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
The uncertainty has led some emergency management agencies to hold off on filling vacant positions and make rushed decisions on important training and purchases, further complicated by the federal government shutdown.
Author's summary: Delays in FEMA grants pose risks to disaster response.
- Severe cuts to federal security grants
- Restrictions on preparedness funds
- Funding delays due to litigation