Authority: Title 44, Chapters 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, §§ 44-146.13 through 44-146.28:1 and 44-146.31 through 44-146.40, Code of Virginia.
A. Included within this appropriation is the continuation of $160,810 the first year and $160,810 the second year from the Fire Programs Fund to support the department's hazardous materials training program.
B. This appropriation includes $500,000 in the first year and $500,000 in the second year from the general fund for the Department of Emergency Management to conduct multidisciplinary training, regional training and exercises related to man-made and natural disaster preparedness, including training consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Training shall involve, but is not to be limited to, local and state law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, public health agencies, and affected private and nonprofit entities, including colleges and universities. Training may be conducted with a state, local or federal agency or agencies having the capability or responsibility to coordinate or assist in emergency preparedness. The agency shall submit a report detailing the number and types of training and exercises conducted, the costs associated with such training and exercises, and challenges and barriers to ensuring that state and local agencies are ready and able to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. The report shall be submitted to the Governor, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, and the Department of Planning and Budget by November 1 of each year.
C.1. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is directed to identify, review and maintain a comprehensive list of state owned supplies, equipment, commodities, and other resources that may be required in the event of state shelter activation and coordinate the use of such state assets and resources in support of shelter activation.
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Coordinator, in consultation with all affected state agencies, shall review all statewide plans related to state shelters, including but not limited to plans developed by the Department of Social Services, institutions of higher education, and all other state agencies. The State Coordinator is responsible for ensuring all plans support a comprehensive and uniform approach to emergency response, are regularly updated, and are aligned with the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan.
3. Following receipt of procurement orders from the Department of Social Services, pursuant to Item 358, paragraph B of this act, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management shall be responsible for all logistics functions as outlined in the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan in support of emergency response and recovery related to state shelter activation, including but not limited to tracking and monitoring; personnel assistance; managing of resources; and delivery of equipment, goods and services to state activated shelters. The Department shall perform these logistics functions in coordination with all other state agencies, local government, federal government, and private sector partners.
D. Out of this appropriation, $2,500,000 the first year from the general fund shall be transferred to the Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund, created pursuant to Senate Bill 350 of the 2020 General Assembly, to aid local governments in proactively preparing for emergency sheltering situations.
E. Out of this appropriation, one-time funding of $500,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to upgrade communications cache radios and related equipment used by local first responders during disasters. The radios and equipment purchased shall be interoperable with the STARS radio system through a COMLINC patch and meet all requirements as approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security within the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP).
F. Out of this appropriation, one-time funding of $750,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to upgrade audio-visual equipment in the Emergency Operations Center.