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EMA director authorized to pursue federal and nonprofit grants; travel approved
Summary
Emergency Management director Jerry Shepherd received commissioner approval to pursue several grants including a National Security Priority Grant and a nonprofit grant for volunteer fire departments; commissioners also approved a last-minute travel request for Shepherd using an EMA vehicle with no departmental cost.
Jennings County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Jerry Shepherd told the commissioners he plans to apply for multiple grants as they become available, and the board gave him authorization to proceed.
Shepherd outlined four grant opportunities: a National Security Priority Grant (up to $150,000 across two projects) that could fund building hardening and equipment for the EMA main office and the courthouse; an annual salary-reimbursement grant that covers 50% of his salary; a nonprofit grant (approximately $200,000) to assist volunteer fire departments with building hardening and equipment updates; and other preparedness grants. Shepherd said only the first grant was currently open; the nonprofit grant would be no-match funding if the county is successful.
Commissioners moved to allow Shepherd to pursue the grants; the motion passed unanimously. Shepherd also submitted a last-minute travel request to attend a nearby event next week and will drive the EMA vehicle; the commissioners approved that request with no departmental cost indicated.
Shepherd asked county officials to identify local outlets or priorities for potential nonprofit grant dollars; commissioners encouraged coordination with outlying volunteer fire departments.
