U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced grants to states, territories and Native American tribes totaling $12.8 million for planning and training to improve response to hazardous materials transportation incidents.
“These grants help our firefighters, police and other first responders protect our citizens by assuring that they are ready to respond to hazardous materials incidents,” said Secretary Mineta. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) made the funds available under the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grants Program. The HMEP grants support the development of emergency response strategies tailored to regional needs and are funded through registration fees paid by shippers and carriers of certain hazardous materials. Full Story
