HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GRANTS 

Since the inception of the hazardous materials program South Dakota has received several hazardous materials grants from the federal government. The grants are intended to increase hazardous materials preparedness and response capabilities by paying for planning projects and training for first responders, LEPC members, and local elected officials.

In some cases only LEPCs that are in compliance with SARA, Title III regulations may apply for the grants. However, there are also grants available to state and local organizations that provide first responder hazardous materials training. It is important to remember that all federal hazardous materials grants are allocated by Congress on an annual basis. There are no guarantees that grant funding will be available the entire year, or every year. The following two grants are those most commonly available in South Dakota.

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), Title III grant originates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Use of the Title III grant is limited to training of state and/or local public sector employees or volunteers to improve preparedness and response in support of Title III. All American Indian tribes recognized by the United States Government are also eligible for this grant.

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant originates with the United States Department of Transportation. The HMEP grant is more diverse than the Title III grant in that it provides funds for hazardous materials training and planning. The planning portion of the grant is available to state governments and LEPCs for hazardous materials emergency response planning and exercising. The grant pays for projects such as commodity flow studies, writing and printing emergency response plans, and hazards analyses. HMEP training funds are available to state and/or local public sector employees or volunteers involved in hazardous materials emergency response.

States often receive other hazardous materials planning and training grants from federal agencies. In the past FEMA has granted funds under the Hazardous Materials Financial Assistance Project (HMFAP) and Comprehensive Emergency Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Environmental Protection Agency also provides states, and especially tribal government, with hazardous materials grant opportunities.

Information about South Dakota's hazardous materials grants can be obtained by contacting the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management at (605) 773-3231.