Tester Announces More than $3 Million to Improve Disaster and Emergency Response Across Montana

FEMA Grant Empowers Towns, Cities & Reservations to Defend Themselves Against Disaster

(Big Sandy, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured nearly $3.3 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster emergency response and disaster preparedness across the state.

Tester secured these funds amidst one of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record.

“When disasters strike, local leaders must have the tools needed to protect lives and property,” Tester said. “It is critical that folks on the ground have the resources to beef up emergency responses that are tailored specifically to their communities. These grants will help equip and train local responders, ensuring communities across Montana have folks ready to serve the people of Montana.”

The funding comes from FEMA’s Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, which aims to enhance emergency management capabilities at the local, state, and tribal levels. The funding will be distributed by the Montana Department of Military Affairs’ Disaster and Emergency Services Bureau among participating counties and tribes to help fund emergency management, training and preparedness programs for their respective jurisdictions.

“Homeland Security dollars are critical to Montana,” said Delila Bruno, Administrator of the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. “We appreciate everything that Senator Tester has done to ensure Montana receives the necessary funds to support emergency and disaster preparedness. These funds provide the ability for the state, county and local communities to build capacity to respond and recover from significant disasters.”

In July, Tester secured critical life-saving resources from the FEMA to help fight the Lodgepole Complex Fire in eastern Montana. Tester has also launched an online portal to assist Montanans impacted by recent disasters and help determine what federal assistance they may be qualified to receive as a result of their losses.