FEMA program chief outlines structure and budget

Eric Jenkins, chief of Program Coordination, Preparedness Division, of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), spoke to IWCE attendees regarding the structure and budget of FEMA and The Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Regarding structure, Jenkins noted the DHS has directorates of Border and Transportation Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, and Science and Technology that will coordinate the department efforts in research and development, including preparing for and responding to terrorist threats.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response budget, he reported, includes $60 million for Urban Search and Rescue, $25 million for interoperability improvements, $20 million for Community Emergency Response Training, $165 million for Emergency Management Performance Grant, $745 million for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and $25 million for Emergency Operations Centers.