Overview

The HMEP grant program helps recipients attain the tools and knowledge needed to carry out emergency response planning and training efforts. As part of PHMSA's broader plan to develop a more robust emergency preparedness response capability throughout our nation, PHMSA conducted outreach and interviews with HMEP grant recipients to gather information, identify challenges, and capture best practices on the utilization of grant funding. From November 2022 through April 2023 HMEP recipients across the U.S. were interviewed to determine how well activities funded by the HMEP program align with actual HAZMAT preparedness needs at the local level. Information collected during the interviews was used to develop a gap analysis report. The findings in the report validated that the funds are being utilized well and that program improvements (such as the 3-year HMEP grant cycle, combining the training and preparedness activities, flexible options for soft matching and increased support and engagement from the HMEP Grant program staff at PHMSA) have increased the ability to use funds to support response capability improvements. This gap analysis report shares best practices in utilization within HMEP programs to provide communities with preparedness and response tools to ensure that the program provides emergency responders with the ability to protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials. The report also identifies some opportunities for improvement to enhance the national hazmat response and the HMEP grant program itself.

Report

HMEP Grant Gap Report