[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6311635,"mediaKeyId","2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8","parentId",2394980,"title","DPS warns of federal grant reductions; seeks cybersecurity match and readies regional dispatch plan","audioSeconds",743,"startMs",2292000,"endMs",3035000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8&start=2292&end=3035","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8/thumbnail_2292000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6311635/Vermont/DPS-warns-of-federal-grant-reductions-seeks-cybersecurity-match-and-readies-regional-dispatch-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311635-4c233e3ab79f8d784bcb5dbe6e9b1941/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147991&Signature=jlEjlnYEmrw9eZc4gmj6EPs-FT7SOb0ZFCRd05oC6f3fLxosbPUG-z38qVucwX6O2BNnS~PazXXcHXwQtuYC8yIfT7l0jJcGytKqIecEMOxjBcpKAdJbQhAcq0-NWcixkki3zzLpkCckd0BoHUAoTWTP8~JiOOT2ONQRIreL1V-LYnGyhyNKPyUYIzUnY7Z4y2V~QPNmkaXp3VYNYs5mzVVGA8sOW5scLW2fuhEyXKDayEWdkFsxDiNsM4QMkXuxxyOLqZnFlLWPZfO75xYgSNiUnp4gwu~yiYsV8V-dkjjE3NEKcHPY3cS6GxSKuoxc43BFbbJHp9lK1Mp3G0xKUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Vermont House Committee on Appropriations","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Vermont Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee that reductions in two federal grant streams are constraining local grants and operations while the department moves to staff and match several new federal awards.

Committee members were told the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) was reduced by formula nationwide, and the Homeland Security Grant Program also saw a decrease; department staff warned those reductions reduce the funds available to local municipalities for equipment and subgrants.

\"The federal government reduced it. It's a formula grant,\" a department witness said of EMPG, adding that all states were affected. The department said the Homeland Security Grant decrease will mean less pass‑through money for local police and fire to buy equipment that they otherwise rely upon.

On cybersecurity, the department said it has a large CISA‑linked grant the state seeks to accept that now requires a 30% match. \"This grant that we are seeking to accept has a 30% match,\" the department said, describing a partnership between the Department of Public Safety and the Agency of Digital Services to fund a project manager and statewide cyber hygiene work.

The committee was also briefed on regional dispatch funding and the work done under Act 78. Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said contracted subject‑matter experts have produced a system design plan and that a draft intended for public, legislative and first‑responder feedback should be available soon. \"The system design plan should be available in a, first draft form for designed specifically for public feedback, for legislative feedback, for first responder feedback, and we hope to be able to release that, as early as the end of next week,\" Morrison said.

Staff warned the committee that reduced federal grants will not be fully replaced by state funds and that local budgets may need to increase if municipalities seek to replace items previously paid by federal subgrants. The department offered to provide more detailed written explanations of specific grant match timelines and obligations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Appropriations - 2025-02-25 - 11:05AM","oneSentenceSummary","DPS told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 25 that federal formula grants used to fund local preparedness and equipment have declined, while the department needs a $600,000 state match for a new cybersecurity grant.","taxTitle","Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",30573,"location","Vermont","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6311637,"DPS describes FEMA mitigation funds, buyouts and proposed state match carried forward",1527,1190000,2717000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8&start=1190&end=2717","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8/thumbnail_1190000.jpg","/articles/6311637/Vermont/DPS-describes-FEMA-mitigation-funds-buyouts-and-proposed-state-match-carried-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311637-4869f71e0344468376232f0b8b286cb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147991&Signature=CP6y6NtBfNbmShU8fz0mtUbGeioGvQgFwcRosmOR-TW5suub7AaZmKe5MtoPcKMOX2eslFdPbQ82IdA55PYEmrZsDk6gVIXU6H8VdUBd03Cm9yOqGNRdgpO1PnX3EZUhRovEy6Jvh1EaJSmI8T1eocGI9F7~sKYLonCirIQhtC4a6hjtRzXUPNysE0IKa8v~u6XSCJQRLlxPxRyO8vkzj1ylItXoc8fZiPjd-adZ8GOY~iFu21HPDbxMr01yfHDRrs5kQ-Blp7LUSEv7qrIBLqwBrB3b3siSVrxm8BXusYQTFP1mHkjVYSvwj3JmkQ~-Z5RxST333AszoGqJ0rb77A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Public Safety budget staff told the House Appropriations Committee that Vermont has received mitigation funding related to multiple declared disasters and is using state carryforwards to provide the nonfederal match for FEMA buyouts and mitigation projects.

\"It's 15% of whatever the total disaster was,\" a department official explained in describing how mitigation funds are calculated and distributed after disasters. The department said mitigation funding is flexible and can be used statewide, not strictly limited to the footprint of a single disaster.

Committee members asked about a carryforward balance the representative read from committee materials. Rick Halbeck and other staff identified a roughly $7.3–$7.4 million balance in a state fiscal recovery / carryforward fund that is obligated to implement buyouts and mitigation projects. Halbeck said the sum is already programed and used to avoid forcing small municipalities to provide the state match for buyout projects.

The department said it expects mitigation funding from multiple declared disasters (the testimony referenced multiple disasters from 2023 and 2024) and that it is managing hundreds of applications for buyouts and mitigation projects over the past decade. Committee members also asked about ownership and the disposition of properties after buyouts; DPS staff said the state typically manages acquisition and relocation under FEMA program rules but deferred detailed ownership mechanics to program staff and to a future briefing.

Officials told the committee the carryforward state match enables more buyouts to proceed without requiring local municipalities to find the matching share. No formal committee action was taken; staff offered to provide additional detail on the specific funding packages and the historic carryforward balances.","DPS told the committee it has mitigation funding from multiple disasters, is managing dozens of buyout applications, and is carrying forward roughly $7.4 million in state funds to serve as match for FEMA mitigation projects and buyouts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6311638,"Department of Public Safety outlines new animal‑welfare division and hiring timeline",270,645000,915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8&start=645&end=915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8/thumbnail_645000.jpg","/articles/6311638/Vermont/Department-of-Public-Safety-outlines-new-animalwelfare-division-and-hiring-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311638-02e92e414e703599ac63b265bb072cf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147991&Signature=dDnWupTABrJt8~V2JSGOqsj~1ukKY57GWMgkGOKTDX1hhrK~cObTLRelXkC26qoQvNVI7Z7DkeEcSwkidZISVGij445OU~uAIlLW4zZ5xcLsSzS3aeVhdPFZpkOQ4GH1pcVZMJdvtJxWyU5oVJFCrP5fJdMfn6X5kuApRa1JVO6YzGTgZTcyIeX~fxL3sJ8nycmJKBjjw0pRs3MBTuupo8pAQnXqnHWIX283J9ARRZQ~lBiD523STTmNMgOAelQbgg7-otfi11hCwdy-VTaVYia19dn86lkxg4e8OjYAefRst-AT-JU-sxsH5ahvNjDpryvFzdJdZ~-CBfMj45V7Pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 25 that it has stood up a new Division of Animal Welfare and has extended a conditional offer to a director, with onboarding to follow human resources steps.

\"We have extended a conditional offer of employment to a woman who is a professor of law from out of state, who intends to come here and and begin that work,\" Commissioner Jennifer Morrison told the committee. She said the department expects to complete the HR process and have someone in place within about four to eight weeks.

Morrison described the division's first task as assessing the statewide landscape for investigating animal‑welfare complaints and developing a plan to create a coordinated system. \"Within the first 8 months of the director being hired [the director must] come up with a plan for creating a better, more comprehensive statewide system for investigating animal welfare complaints,\" Morrison said.

Committee members asked whether Fish and Wildlife or the department would continue current animal‑welfare work. Morrison explained that wardens assumed those investigations from the Vermont State Police roughly two years ago as part of the governor's broader enforcement changes; the new division will not immediately absorb all functions but will produce a plan and identify responsibilities, funding needs for veterinary care, and how rescues and shelters will be used in complex cases.

The department said some municipalities and nonprofit groups currently handle animal control or welfare work and that the new division must coordinate across those existing structures. Committee members asked follow‑up questions about the funding source for the division's special fund, which Morrison said is to be formed from a surcharge on dog‑license revenue and appropriations by the Legislature; she said the special fund exists in the state financial system though receipts may not have begun yet.

No formal action was taken; the committee requested follow‑up on the director's start date, the division's implementation plan, and the special fund balance.","Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said DPS created a Division of Animal Welfare and has extended a conditional offer for a director; the division will assess statewide complaint intake, investigation responsibilities, and funding for animal care in complex cases.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6311639,"House Appropriations hears urgent need to replace aging public-safety radios after failures",233,994000,1227000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8&start=994&end=1227","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8/thumbnail_994000.jpg","/articles/6311639/Vermont/House-Appropriations-hears-urgent-need-to-replace-aging-public-safety-radios-after-failures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311639-2172f8b5e558a1e552427ff60ddf7687/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147991&Signature=TOVn-TjZUURXE7RYzRNjWb7ux~Lj9XSc2yiI3O1LsIba7EnScvWF0vLSRdgnQK4ZDaEzbya94aZRW-qyni00Pgm9ypTKH5YwCU1END5ZMADGOPbVJs7ACFfY4zeR3j1jyVh53kttlELutmpOlh10N7uKT4C3YIKuCt6EoTdyY~lfuWdtDmufEznlUslsmoYNM9hc7obGdVi2VOVNyKxMU1AAwJO9djQsVAkVDJhTYDWw4~ukfsfINKBqYZS9aiwbXZWOriJCF6qC01YJbg6-LhCm5rBxqUXpfx61w8eNIdbCpjBQAw2sxsMykcE3LLhe9K4LnTE81tflO92tNDkueA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 25 that a number of its mobile and portable radios are at or beyond their useful life and that recent testing found many failing to operational standards.

“We recognized that there was an emergent problem that needed to be dealt with,” Rick Halbeck, director of finance and administration for the Department of Public Safety, told the committee, adding that “the total amount in today's dollars to replace the mobile and portable radios for the Vermont State Police is slightly north of $4,000,000.”

Halbeck said the department is requesting a new $500,000 base appropriation to create a steady replacement cycle, plus $920,000 in one‑time funds to begin replacing the worst units now. He told the committee the department has also applied for and accepted an anticipated congressionally directed spending award of $1,900,000 and expects those funds to be available this fall.

Corey Chase, who leads Radio Technology Services, and department staff reported that some handhelds had to have their output power reduced during maintenance to keep them working. Halbeck said that reduction in transmitter power is “not ideal and could present a safety issue if not addressed.”

Committee members pressed about whether the request should go through the capital bill or be treated as operating / equipment replacement; Halbeck said the department has discussed the options but believes an ongoing base appropriation is needed because replacements will not follow a perfectly even annual schedule.

The committee also heard that the $500,000 base is intended to avoid the recurring “cliff” problem when equipment is replaced only with one‑time infusions; Halbeck described the one‑time $920,000 as a “kick start” to replace the worst radios now and then rely on the base to smooth future replacements.

Proponents said the replacement work ties to interoperability and safety: radios must remain compatible with the statewide land mobile radio network and partners. The department declined to present a rigid year‑by‑year procurement plan, saying technology lifecycles and interoperability needs will shape purchases.

The committee did not take a vote; members asked staff follow‑up questions about grant timing and procurement plans.","Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee that many mobile and portable radios are at end of life, some have been dialed down to remain operable, and replacing the fleet will cost roughly $4 million. The department requested a $500,000 annual base appropriation, $920,000 one‑time, and anticipates a congressional award.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6311632,"DPS budget presentation: civilianizing posts, body/dash camera costs, firearms and vehicle funding shifts",1485,2005000,3490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8&start=2005&end=3490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2394980-b42c5407b93dba7f37b893f9a8eeb6d8/thumbnail_2005000.jpg","/articles/6311632/Vermont/DPS-budget-presentation-civilianizing-posts-bodydash-camera-costs-firearms-and-vehicle-funding-shifts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311632-aa72c7da43098814ce86e11cd6326f5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147991&Signature=dqLLr9PrhQcRmmOgk-53QcrmcCYhPPCmeOMbJUY5Etpr9DoOqSNFuTY7Y1IOac45cSPqqu2Zh3RXgUv13fBLtwnMtwLzzPdQBSkyJ6Bjbr1WB4BZQ-VjoSMN-dr~nWqsqzeIQey4iROM3-grWlIB7kdOGOR08x7ERCjNIRgZq-cNu1DZvzXP0LHzUdIV3jUQ03YjRIfOjEhAMj54Pee7FrqxOnpdRRPAakud~nPGp4jkHBmptFFHT~I6QKlElkgIAfWete1b801wSWXV3o1LLvr5LVByDrdX6OtXPJFWDwkb~mKKEBzFO1E-xoflckiPonW8rg7-lXbslgtZb4rV1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Public Safety officials told the House Appropriations Committee that they have converted 11 sworn positions to civilian classifications where the duties do not require certification or an armed officer and that the move reduces pressure on the separate law‑enforcement retirement (Class C) fund.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Whitcomb described the civilianization as a way to retain investigative talent and perform work that does not require a badge and a gun. \"This is the way for us to, potentially better utilize the the talent, within the Vermont State Police for positions related to policing and also, hiring, top notch people that will continue in positions doing, very important investigations for us long term,\" he said.

Budget staff also highlighted equipment and line‑item shifts: Motorola body‑worn and dash camera payments and storage costs were shifted to specific line items; an approximately $521,000 general‑fund increase includes $400,000 for a firearm replacement (the department said the replacement is for all duty carry firearms, same caliber but a different model), and vehicle funding previously appropriated from the Transportation Fund was moved into general funds as part of the JTOC transfer.

The department identified a $156,000 increase for the drug task force grant line (a pass‑through to participating municipalities), said it has carried forward $435,000 for hiring incentives and loan repayment, and noted vacancy savings lines have been plugged in some appropriations because divisions are fully staffed and cannot absorb vacancy savings.

Committee members asked about retirement and benefit differences when civilianizing positions; Morrison said incumbent employees are not reclassified mid‑career but that future hires for reclassified positions would join regular classified service with different retirement implications.

No formal action was taken; staff offered additional line‑item crosswalks and said they would provide more detailed documentation as requested.","Department officials described converting 11 sworn positions to civilian roles, ongoing payments for body/dash cameras and evidence‑storage systems, a one‑time firearm replacement, and a shift of vehicle funding from the Transportation Fund to the general fund as part of JTOC-related changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DPS warns of federal grant reductions; seeks cybersecurity match and readies regional dispatch plan

DPS describes FEMA mitigation funds, buyouts and proposed state match carried forward

Department of Public Safety outlines new animal‑welfare division and hiring timeline

House Appropriations hears urgent need to replace aging public-safety radios after failures

DPS budget presentation: civilianizing posts, body/dash camera costs, firearms and vehicle funding shifts