The Emergency Response Capability and Impacts Grant Program, established by the Oklahoma State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief via House Bill 2017X in 2023, aims to enhance Oklahoma's emergency response and recovery capabilities. Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) in coordination with Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, the Joint Committee, and 929 Strategies, this program utilizes $25 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Its overarching mission aligns with the state's strategic priority to strengthen preparedness across all hazards, including public health emergencies, and ensure a robust emergency response network.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities, counties, and other government entities within Oklahoma. The program's impact goals center on building capacity across multiple jurisdictions, fostering an all-hazards approach to preparedness, and enhancing the state’s overall emergency response capability. By strategically deploying funds across the state, the program seeks to maximize its geographic footprint and ensure that emergency response resources are accessible and effective throughout Oklahoma.
The program prioritizes projects that establish new facilities or expand existing ones, such as Training Centers, Public Safety Centers, Multi-agency Coordination Centers, and Distribution Management/Staging Centers, all designed for use by multiple disciplines or jurisdictions. Additionally, it funds equipment grants for critical items like communications equipment, sheltering equipment, generators, water buffaloes, and training equipment. Preference is given to projects that have already conducted feasibility studies or commenced architectural and engineering work, indicating a higher level of project readiness and planning.
Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the state's ability to respond to and recover from emergencies, better coordination among agencies and jurisdictions, and enhanced public safety infrastructure. Measurable results will be tied to the completion of funded projects by December 31, 2026, the successful establishment of new or improved facilities and equipment, and the fulfillment of the 50% local match requirement. The program’s theory of change posits that by investing in infrastructure and equipment, and by prioritizing collaborative, multi-jurisdictional initiatives, Oklahoma will significantly bolster its resilience against future emergencies.
