Rep. Costa Announces Opening of the Competitive Training Grant Program Application Period

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP) opened today. These grants will provide approximately $27.2 million to address homeland security training needs to prevent, protect and respond to acts of terrorism and catastrophic events.

"Grants like this are vital to localities to train for potential attacks or tragic events," said Costa. "I encourage local governments and organizations to apply for this grant and ensure our Valley is prepared for any kind of unforeseen catastrophic occurrence."

CTGP awards funds to competitively selected applicants to develop and deliver innovative training programs addressing high priority national homeland security training needs. CTGP supports FEMA's National Training Program defined in the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (Section 648(a)).This program provides funds to support training initiatives that are national in scope and further the DHS mission of preparing the nation to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from catastrophic risks posed by man, nature and technology. State, local, tribal and territorial governments, national associations, higher education institutions, nonprofits and the private sector are eligible.

Eligible entities may apply for funding through the Grants.gov portal, accessible on the Internet at https://www.grants.gov. Applications can be received no later than 8:00pm EST on June 9, 2008.