Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Planning and Training Grant for Tribes
General Grant Program Information
The HMEP Tribal Grant Program is designed to encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to HAZMAT transportation situations. The program also enhances the implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA, Title III), 42 U.S.C. § 11001, et seq.
Eligibility Information
The FY 2026 HMEP tribal grant is open to federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations, such as intertribal consortiums. PHMSA defines “Indian tribe” at 49 U.S.C. § 5102(6). As such, “Indian tribe” is defined as any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village, or regional or village corporation, as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. For the purposes of this grant, “intertribal consortium” as defined by 40 CFR § 35.504 is a partnership between two or more federally recognized Indian Tribes that is authorized by the governing bodies of those Indian Tribes to apply for and receive assistance agreements. An intertribal consortium must have adequate documentation of the existence of the partnership, and the authorization to apply for and receive assistance. Eligible grant projects/expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Commodity flow studies
- Tabletop exercises
- Emergency response plans (creation and updates)
- HAZMAT response training
- HAZMAT training drills
- Training equipment
- HAZMAT training conferences
- Hazard mitigation plans
- Salaries/fringe benefits for HMEP program administrators
- Supplies to conduct training and planning activities
- Contract support costs related to HMEP planning and training activities
- Personnel overtime, backfill, and stipends, if the costs follow the HMEP Guidance on Backfill, Overtime, and Stipends
Funding Information
This program is subject to the availability of funds. PHMSA anticipates that $1,000,000 will be available for the FY 2026 HMEP Tribal Grant Program.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. § 5116(d), States and tribes must contribute a minimum of 20 percent matching share to the total cost of the grant project. The matching requirement must be satisfied by costs incurred by the grantee or by the value of in-kind contributions. All matching funds must meet the Federal requirements as described in 2 CFR § 200.306 cost sharing or matching. Funds or costs used for matching purposes under any other Federal grant or cooperative agreement may not be used for HMEP matching purposes.
Contact Information
Loni Chinn
loni.chinn@dot.gov
Disclaimer:
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