Baltimore to receive funding for disaster preparedness

The City of Baltimore received Monday a $937,700 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve the city’s preparedness for disasters and catastrophes.

The funding was awarded through the DHS Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, which seeks to expand federal-state collaboration and build local capacity to manage disasters.

The Congressional delegation from Maryland — including Reps. John Sarbanes (D-MD), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) — helped secure the funding.

“Baltimore – both as a major city in its own right and with its proximity to our nation’s capital – faces unique national security threats. This funding will help ensure that Charm City is better prepared to respond to any catastrophic event,” the delegation members said. “This year’s funding is focused on making sure cities are ready to provide assistance in the face of disaster, including food, water, shelter, and other services critical to business and government functions. We will keep fighting in Congress to ensure Baltimore has the resources it needs to keep its residents safe.”

The Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program plays a critical role in strengthening the National Preparedness System. It provides resources to close capability gaps in housing, logistics, and supply chain management and encourages innovative regional solutions to prepare for catastrophic incidents.