Pursuant to a new appropriation for statewide multidisciplinary emergency management training, Item 399(C) of the 2018 Appropriations Act reads as follows:

"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 October 1 of each year."

This report is a summary of the number and types of training and exercises VDEM conducted, the costs associated with such training and exercises, and the challenges and barriers to ensuring that state and local agencies are ready and able to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

Please note that since this is the first mandated report, it only reflects the report period of July 1, 2018 through October 1, 2018.