FY 2025 Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Grant

Background
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) aims to protect people and the environment by ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials.

The Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant program is designed to support training programs that prepare emergency responders to handle incidents involving hazardous materials, particularly those related to the transportation of flammable liquids by rail. This initiative is aligned with the goals of enhancing safety, equity, climate sustainability, and workforce development as outlined in various strategic plans and executive orders.

Grant Details
The ALERT grant program solicits competitive applications from eligible nonprofit organizations representing regional public-private partnerships.

The focus is on providing direct or web-based training on hazardous materials response activities, specifically for crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids transported by rail. Training programs must comply with existing regulations and National Fire Protection standards.

PHMSA anticipates funding of approximately $2,000,000 for this program, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Projects should demonstrate a clear need for training in rural or underserved areas and include a comprehensive needs assessment.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS and can provide training on hazardous materials response.

Organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible. For-profit organizations are also excluded from applying.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for awarded grants will be a minimum of 12 months from the effective date of the award, with a maximum requestable duration of up to 24 months.

Grant Value
PHMSA anticipates making available a total funding amount of $2,000,000 for the ALERT grant program. Individual federal awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $1,000,000.

Place of Performance
The training funded by this grant will primarily take place in communities affected by hazardous material transportation incidents involving flammable liquids by rail.