MERCED - The Merced County Board of Supervisors has accepted a $174,565 federal grant to support emergency preparedness and response efforts, officials announced this week.

The funding, awarded through the Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program, will help cover staffing and operating costs for the Merced County Office of Emergency Services. The grant is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and sub-granted from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The board previously authorized the county’s application for the grant in November 2024 by adopting Resolution No. 2024-90. The performance period for the funding runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

To meet the program’s requirements, Merced County will provide a local cash match equal to the federal award, bringing the total program cost to $349,130. The local contribution will come from the county’s Fire Fund and has already been included in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, resulting in no impact to the county’s net cost.

“This funding ensures that our Office of Emergency Services remains equipped to respond to disasters and coordinate preparedness efforts across the county,” officials said in a staff report.

The grant is subject to federal audit requirements and reimbursement procedures outlined by Cal OES. Any expenditures requiring additional review—such as environmental planning or specialized equipment procurement—must receive written approval before costs are incurred.

Merced County officials said the funds will be used to maintain core emergency management functions, including planning, coordination, and public safety readiness.