The HMEP grant program is designed to allow grantees the flexibility to implement training and planning programs that address differing needs for each location based on: demographics, emergency response capabilities, commodity flow studies and hazard analysis.

Federally funded, the HMEP grant fund was established in 1990 through the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act. In 1993 the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) started issuing grants to assist States, Territories and Tribes to "develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans" within the National Response System and Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. 

In Arizona, ADEQ is the agency designated to receive the grant funds and awards funds through AZSERC to Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and first responder organizations.

• Grant applications must include proposals for a three-year period and a narrative of requested projects (training and planning).
• Funds requested must include a cost breakdown to include travel costs.
• Funds will be reimbursed through the Arizona Financial Information System (AFIS) and require a completed W-9 form.
• Grants to LEPCs are awarded based on the criteria outlined in Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R8-4-110 (B) and (C) | View >
• Must comply with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know-Act (EPCRA) and AZSERC reporting procedures AAC R8-4-110 (D)(2)
• LEPC risks/capabilities

An announcement letter and Grant Application Packet will be sent to eligible sub-grantees by March 30.  Application packets and proposals are due to the grantee by deadline indicated in the announcement letter. ADEQ Emergency Response Unit Staff evaluates the proposals based on EPCRA criteria, AZSERC criteria, and LEPC risk/capabilities.

If you did not receive a letter notifying you about the HMEP Grant, you may call 602-771-0397 or email AZSERC | Email > 

The distribution amount of the funds from the HMEP grant is provided under Arizona Revised Statue (ARS) §49-123(H) and 49 United States Code part 5116 and is governed by the AAC R8-110 and 49 Code of Federal Regulations part 110.

The process is as follows:

1. ADEQ submits a grant application to PHMSA annually requesting funds for proposed activities submitted by sub-grantees.
2. PHMSA reviews and evaluates applications to make certain the proposed activities support the program mission to ensure the safe transportation of HAZMAT materials.
3. If approved, PHMSA offers the agency a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) for acceptance and signature.
4. Once executed, ADEQ may distribute grant funds in accordance with the planned activities identified in the grant application.