"Emergency operations plans drive response to any emergency, whether it be a tornado, flood or terrorist attack," Blagojevich said. "That's why it's critical that these local responses agencies have the resources needed to develop and maintain their plans.
The Emergency Management Assistance grants are awarded to local emergency management, emergency services and disaster agencies that meet IEMA accreditation requirements and apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Grant funds can be used for such expenses as administrative salaries, office operations and emergency planning-related travel. Agencies receiving the grants must provide 50 percent matching funds.
Funding for the Emergency Management Assistance grants are supported by a federal Emergency Management Performance Grant to IEMA.
A list of the locations to receive grants and the amounts has been compiled.
