Emergency Response Capability and Impacts Grant Program Application Period Now Open
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management today announced opening of the application period for the new Emergency Response Capability and Impacts Grant Program.
Municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities may apply for a grant for a capital project or equipment to increase emergency response capacity or for emergency relief from natural disasters.
The grant program was created by the Oklahoma State Legislature's Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief via House Bill 2017X in 2023. The Joint Committee allocated $25 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). OEM is administering the program in coordination with Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, the Joint Committee, and 929 Strategies.
Eligible capital projects may include construction of public safety or fire training centers, multi-agency coordination centers, distribution management or staging centers, or other similar facilities. Equipment grants may be awarded for communications equipment, post-disaster sheltering supplies, generators, water buffaloes, training equipment, or other equipment to build emergency response and recovery capabilities.
"This grant program is another successful outcome of the ARPA process undertaken by the Oklahoma Legislature," said Sen. Chuck Hall, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee. "This grant program was a direct response to the needs presented by communities across Oklahoma, goals determined by the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, and prioritization of the Working Groups. I am proud of the process the Legislature created and look forward to seeing the impact of these investments across our state,"
"Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the most natural disaster-prone states in the country; and when a disaster occurs our first responders work together in a collaborative and admirable manner to respond to the needs of our citizens," said Rep. Kevin Wallace, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee. "Local responders frequently deal with major tornadoes, wildfires, floods and ice storms each year, often with limited local resources. These funds will be utilized to implement a grant program to increase the emergency response capacity across the state through equipment, infrastructure, training and other immediate needs. We appreciate OEM in administering this program and look forward to the success of these investments."
"As a volunteer firefighter and first responder, I was deeply passionate about this process and ensuring it was appropriately constructed," said Sen. Lonnie Paxton, a member of the Joint Committee. "With the volume and urgency of the requests, we consistently relied on the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for their expertise and advise. With their input, and the working group’s efforts, we were able to design a grant program that will enable us to make critical investments in disaster response and allow us to have a targeted strategy to help Oklahomans in the wake of a natural disaster while increasing the capabilities of first responders.
"Many cities and counties have invested in local emergency response capabilities. Those investments will be leveraged with this grant program to provide increased capacity across our state," said Representative Trey Caldwell. "The grant program specifically requires collaboration across response agencies and leveraging of a local match to receive funds."
The maximum grant awards are $5 million for capital projects and $250,000 for equipment. All grants require a 50% local cost share. Preference will be given to projects that build capacity across multiple jurisdictions, address an all-hazards approach to preparedness and enhance the state’s overall emergency response capability.
Jurisdictions can find more information and begin the application process online at www.oklahoma.gov/oem/arpa. To apply, first submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to OEM by August 16 and then submit a full application by September 27. Applicants must be able to complete their project by December 31, 2026, to qualify.
"OEM is excited for the opportunity to administer this grant program and help fund projects that will help build emergency response and recovery capabilities across the state," said OEM State Director Annie Mack Vest. "We appreciate the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief as well as each individual legislator who championed this cause. The work they've done to create this grant program will undoubtedly enhance the state's preparedness for future disasters."
###
