Tazewell County was one of the major recipients of more than $4.8 million in federal funds that was distributed to multiple local government agencies to increase emergency preparedness throughout the state of Virginia.
The money was given out by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and came from the State Homeland Security Grant program.
“These critical funds, provided by our partners at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be used immediately to help emergency planners and first responder agencies throughout Virginia get tools, equipment and other resources they need to keep Virginia communities safe. With this grant, Virginia joins federal and local governments in working together proactively to ensure that our residents are better protected and able to recover more quickly from possible terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies,” commented Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Tazewell County received over $96,000 to provide additional community emergency response team (CERT) equipment.
In order to fairly distribute the full $4.8 million, the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security received proposals from local government agencies in 10 categories of special emphasis. There were 187 project proposals received that were valued at over $23 million in total.
