The Independence Fire Department's Emergency Preparedness Division makes application to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) each year for grant funding to support essential expenses for emergency preparedness activities for the City of Independence, Missouri.  The City of Independence was awarded $127,821.75 through SEMA's EMPG 2017 grant process.

The purpose of EMPG is to support comprehensive "All-Hazard" emergency preparedness programs at the local jurisdiction levels.  The EMPG program is the Department of Homeland Security's primary federal funding source available to local governments to increase their operational capability for "All-Hazard" emergency preparedness programs.  The central objective of the EMPG grant is to ensure that trained, experienced, professional personnel are present in emergency management positions at each eligible jurisdiction.  The EMPG grant funding is not intended to cover the entire City's Emergency Preparedness Program cost and requires a 50/50 funding match.

Close of the grant period for expending of funds is December 31, 2017, with final documentation due to SEMA not later than January 31, 2017.  No extensions will be approved.  Full completion of all program tasks and filling of vacant grant positions may not be completed and any unspent funds will be reverted to SEMA.

The EMPG grant is a Department of Homeland Security pass-through funding program that is funneled directly through the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to local jurisdictions to fund emergency management personnel salaries, benefits, travel, office supplies, administrative equipment, emergency planning, rent, utilities and office space.  The grant provides reimbursement to local jurisdictions not to exceed one-half (50%) of eligible expenses.  SEMA defines the grant award as the total of the funds that will be provided by both SEMA and the City of Independence.  In other words, SEMA will fund $127,821.75 and the City will fund an equivalent amount for a total grant award of $255,643.50.

Each quarter the Emergency Preparedness Division submits to SEMA documentation of qualified expenses to receive reimbursement from EMPG program.  No reimbursement will be made for expenditures unless the items are eligible and proof of payment is furnished and documentation is properly certified.  Specific requirements must be met by the City of Independence, Missouri to participate in the EMPG program.

The minimum basic EMPG requirements are:

a) The City be tax supported

b) Be a county, city, town, village or fire protection district

c) Have an emergency management organization established by court order, city ordinance, etc.

d) Have a full or part-time Emergency Management Director (EMD) appointed by the chief-elected official.

In addition to the above minimum requirements the following items must be completed:

1. Meet National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance requirements during the applicable fiscal year.

2. Submit quarterly a Request for Reimbursement, Statement of Work, and Training/Exercise Worksheet within 15 days following each quarter.  The Final is due 30 days following the performance period.

3. Maintain an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that meets SEMA planning guidance.  This plan must be reviewed annually by the sub recipient and revised as needed.

4. Complete the required NIMS training as well as other specified emergency management training for emergency management personnel.

5. Identify a designated Emergency Operations Facility (EOC) with 24/7 availability.

6. Complete the required exercise requirements.

If the City of Independence, Missouri ceases to meet any of these requirements it becomes ineligible for continuation in any of the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) EMPG administered assistance programs.

The EMPG program requires a 50/50 match.  The Fire Department's Emergency Preparedness Division's annual appropriated operating budge serves as the match.  See "Background" or specific appropriation details. The 2017 grant monies will be utilized towards Emergency Preparedness Division salary, benefits and operating expenses. 

Revenue Account:

15-3250-4600  SEMA Emergency Preparedness

Expenditure Accounts:

15-4650-5100 (Salaries Regular Employees) - $66,591.50

15-4650-5109 (Benefits Regular Employees) - $20,740.96

15-4650-5212 (Maintenance expenses) - $25,000.00

15-4650-5301 (Operating Supplies) - $15,489.29

Total Grant Award - $172,821.75