Tennessee Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant (HMEP)

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant is administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant program was established in 1990 through the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act and began awarding grants in 1993. The HMEP Grant operates under the authority of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 and the National Response System. It is designed to enhance the capabilities of states, territories, and Native American tribes in preparing for and responding to hazardous materials incidents, particularly in the context of transportation-related emergencies. The core objective of the HMEP Grant is to support the development, improvement, and implementation of emergency plans and training programs tailored to the unique needs of each locality. These programs are expected to reflect varying demographic profiles, hazard analyses, emergency response capabilities, and results from commodity flow studies. Grant-funded training activities must align with national standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472 Standard and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations under 29 CFR § 1910.120. Funding can be used to train emergency responders, support the activities of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), and facilitate effective preparedness at all jurisdictional levels. Each state, territory, or tribe designates a single agency to apply for and administer HMEP funding. These agencies must submit grant applications annually to PHMSA detailing their proposed activities. PHMSA evaluates these applications to ensure that they align with the program’s overarching goal of promoting the safe transportation of hazardous materials. Successful applicants receive a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) and may begin allocating funds to LEPCs and other responder organizations within their jurisdiction in accordance with their approved application. The HMEP Grant program supports a broad array of preparedness activities, including hazmat response exercises, public sector training, and hazard mitigation planning. In recent years, PHMSA has expanded its outreach by hosting annual conferences and webinars, such as the 2024 HMEP Continuing Application Webinar, to provide training resources and highlight successful case studies from grantees. These events help stakeholders share best practices and explore strategies for leveraging HMEP funds to improve response readiness. Applications for HMEP Grants must be submitted through the designated state or tribal agency, which acts as the sole applicant. Each application cycle includes a clearly defined period during which PHMSA accepts submissions. While the program does not appear to require a pre-application step such as a letter of intent or concept paper, applicants are encouraged to attend relevant webinars and review guidance materials made available through PHMSA’s Hazmat Grants Portal. Funding allocations, eligibility criteria, and updates on policy changes, including those related to 2 CFR compliance, are regularly posted to ensure transparency. For more information, applicants can contact the HMEP Grants office at [email protected] or call 202-366-1109. An alternative toll-free contact is available at 800-467-4922. Additional updates, including training modules and reports to Congress, are accessible via PHMSA’s official website. As the program is recurring and federal in nature, applicants are encouraged to monitor upcoming application cycles and prepare materials accordingly.