Washington, DC, Mar 6, 2007 - U.S. Congressman John Carter (R - Round Rock), House Conference Secretary, today announced that Texas will receive over $10 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the 2007 Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG).

“I am thrilled that DHS has taken such an active role in preparing state and local governments to respond to emergencies,” said Congressman Carter, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which determines allocations for DHS. “Emergency preparedness is the first step in effectively thwarting terrorist activity and properly reacting in the aftermath of disasters.”

Part of a larger coordinated effort to strengthen our nation’s overall level of preparedness, EMPG helps enhance the effectiveness of State and local emergency management programs. EMPG encourages the improvement of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from major disasters, terrorist attacks and other emergencies. Emphasis is placed on catastrophic planning priorities.

The 2007 EMPG provides $194,000,000 for State emergency management agencies. Texas will receive $10,096,516 of this, the second largest allocation for any of the states.