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Jan. 17, 2007 For immediate release For more information, contact: Tammy Snodgrass or Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993 REGIONAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEEOFFERING TRAINING GRANTS TO FIRE DEPARTMENTSGrant deadline is April 16.ST. JAMES—The Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee is once again accepting hazardous materials training grant applications from local fire departments, announced Dawn Warren, chairman of the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee. The committee held its regular quarterly meeting on Jan. 17 at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission in St. James. The MREPC has set aside $6,000 and is offering grants to fire departments in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Osage and Washington counties. The maximum grant request is set at $1,000, and no match is required. Only fire departments are eligible to apply. Those fire departments who do not have a current data sheet on file with MREPC are ineligible for grant funding. Those applying for grant funds are encouraged to develop county-wide training opportunities, focusing on hazardous materials and involving all emergency response agencies, explained Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager for Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with a deadline of April 16, 2007, for applications. The MREPC will be announced at the group’s next meeting on April 25. Grant information, as well as the application, is available on-line at www.meramecregion.org or by contacting MRPC at 573-265-2993 or emailing Tammy Snodgrass at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org. In other business, the group revised its 2006-2007 budget and discussed upcoming trainings and conferences. The Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee periodically coordinates and offers education and training opportunities for emergency responders in the region. The purpose of the committee is to work with local governments as well as the private sector to maintain plans responsive to chemical hazards that seriously threaten the area. Dawn Warren, Gasconade County Emergency Management Director, chairs the group. The committee meets quarterly, and meetings are open to the public. Persons needing more information the MREPC or chemicals in the region may contact MRPC at (573) 265-2993. The planning commission, a voluntary council of local governments serving the Meramec Region, provides staff support for the local emergency planning committee. |