Yesterday, Maryland’s congressional delegation announced $953,854 in new federal funds for Maryland to invest in emergency preparedness plans, pipeline inspection and training for managing bulk transportation of petroleum products and other hazardous materials.

$331,078 was awarded to Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This funding comes from the 2020 Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant, through the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration. The grant program, established in 1990, was established to provide grants to states that would allow them the flexibility to implement training and planning programs that best fit each location. In addition to the HMEP grant, Maryland will benefit from $622,776 through State Base Pipeline Safety Grants, dispersed by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration. The grant will go to the Public Service Commission (PSC), who monitors and promotes regulations and safety in transportation and utility services across the state.

“This new federal funding will help bolster Maryland’s emergency preparedness planning, mitigate the risk of transporting hazardous materials, and keep our communities safe. Regularly monitoring safety measures is essential to protecting Marylanders, as is a comprehensive investigation in the wake of any disaster,” the lawmakers said. “We are committed to ensuring that Maryland has the necessary resources and knowhow to respond to emergency situations.”

For more information view the press release.