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2/16/2024
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) in Virginia was recently selected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive direct technical assistance (DTA).
DTA is a three-year initiative designed by FEMA to better position communities and organizations to apply for hazard mitigation assistance grants. The grants help fund eligible mitigation measures that reduce loss related to potential disasters, including the effects of climate change.
HRT is among 46 recipients across the nation selected for DTA — the first organization in Virginia and only transit agency in the nation to receive the assistance, HRT officials said in the agency's blog.
HRT was able to secure the DTA with guidance from FEMA's Department of Security and Emergency Preparedness. The department aims to help organizations employees, patrons and assets, all of which are susceptible to the effects of climate change.
"[We were] awarded the DTA because FEMA recognizes the importance of public transit to the nation,” said Steve Magaro, HRT's emergency preparedness manager.
Over the next three years, HRT will work with FEMA, engineering and construction firm CDM Smith, the Department of Homeland Security and Old Dominion University to assess the transit agency's needs. They will develop an action plan to improve HRT’s resilience to climate change.