Regional coordinators warn EMPG delays could stall training and local hazard‑mitigation work

Maggie briefed the Rutland Emergency Management Committee on the status of the Emergency Management Planning Grant (EMPG) that funds regional emergency‑management work. She said regional planning commissions submitted required material by Sept. 1 but the state remains in legal review and has not accepted the federal award; the delay has pushed some responsibilities onto regional coordinators and forced organizers to consider pausing training and outreach until funding is confirmed.

Maggie explained that normally the state executes agreements in September so that federal fiscal‑year funding is ready Oct. 1; this year the process remains unresolved and the timing is several months later than typical. She said some regional activities will be placed on hold but that certain local liaison reports and hazard‑mitigation plan work (which are not EMPG‑dependent) can continue. Committee members raised concern about losing momentum: “We have really strong relationship building here in Rutland County,” one member said, noting hospital and regional partners can absorb some activity in the short term.

Members also discussed the incentives for towns to have active local hazard‑mitigation plans, which affect eligibility and match rates for FEMA programs. The group discussed typical cost ranges for plan updates (participants put a local hazard‑mitigation plan in the $9,000–$12,000 range and noted a municipal planning grant application figure of roughly $14,000 for recent awards). Maggie said she is trying to preserve key activities and will continue to support the region using available state funds while awaiting federal clarity.