Video & Transcript : 'MVP grant program' :
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It was such a success that 50 states now model their programs after our original program.
- To my knowledge, we're the only state that has put that into their IOTA program among the 40-plus programs
- Testing grant program by Senator McClain. Senator McClain, you're recognized to explain the bill.
- Senate Bill 1072 establishes the expedited DNA testing grant program within FDLE.
- This is a pilot program. This program will only be implemented in Hillsborough County.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Mar 5th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- One of them is about the lunch program or the breakfast program.
- The federal funds have dried up for the breakfast program.
- The Teachers Health Insurance Program is also an important topic.
- a COLA. ratio and the high cost to grant a COLA.
- So for fiscal year 24, we spent $57 million on that program, and that is the... ...million on that program
ID
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 024 Feb 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Granted. Thank you. Uh, Mr.
- Granted. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, colleagues.
- Granted, thank you. moment of personal privilege. Grant. moment of personal privilege. Grant.
- ,</c><00:35:22.400><c> just</c> go through the reming program, just go through the reming program, just
- </c><00:35:37.599><c> Granted,</c><00:35:38.400><c> thank</c><00:35:38.640><c> you.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 11th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- And the thing that's really key about that program is we start with the dual enrollment.
- And I went through their accelerator program that then I met other investors and other mentors.
- Public training programs are not scaling fast enough to meet the demands of our economy.
- Businesses are aware of support programs but aren't engaging with them.
- But those programs are. committed in scale and funding.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- The largest statewide support today is the $15 million Regional Transit Innovation Grant Program.
- I was going to celebrate the state's historic $10 million investment in a new microtransit grant program
- This bill creates a commission... micro transit grant program funded through the surplus surtax revenue
- providing those grants, including the community transit grant program as well as the microtransit and
- last-mile grants.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of transportation bills focused on rural microtransit, commuter rail fares and service, rail electrification, climate alignment, and safety. Several speakers supported H. 4054 and related microtransit proposals, arguing that rural communities need stable, permanent funding for services like the Tri-Town Connector and Quaboag Connector, which have strong ridership, high satisfaction, and measurable economic and health benefits. Testimony also supported a commission bill to study microtransit funding and definitions, with witnesses emphasizing that current grant programs are helpful but short-term and insufficient for long-term service planning.
A major theme was commuter rail equity and expansion. Boston-area officials and advocates backed bills to make all Boston commuter rail stations Zone 1A, citing large fare disparities between nearby stations in Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Readville. Related testimony supported studying an Orange Line extension from Forest Hills to Roslindale Square and expanding The Ride to Foxborough, as well as restoring commuter rail service to Cape Cod via Middleborough to Buzzards Bay and beyond. Speakers said these projects would improve access, reduce car dependence, and better serve neighborhoods and regions that currently face limited rapid transit options.
Multiple panels urged action on electrification and climate-focused transportation planning, including H. 3726, the Freedom to Move Act, and bills to electrify commuter rail, buses, school buses, and public fleets. Advocates from environmental, transit, and public health groups said transportation is the state’s largest emissions source and argued that statutory goals, coordinated planning, and streamlined permitting are needed to speed decarbonization while improving safety, affordability, and reliability. The committee also heard support for a bill to streamline rail electrification permitting, a bill to exempt certain transit projects from MEPA review, and a bill to improve commuter rail pedestrian safety with gates, fencing, and warning devices at at-grade crossings. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Different than what we call safety net programs or benefit programs like Medicaid at the federal and
- It's a pilot program and see if it works, and I like that.
- And they've got 40-plus programs in existence. Thank you. And then, Mr.
- Did you talk to them about administering this program? Mr.
- Chair, and expert, who did you talk to at MFA about this program? Mr.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled.
The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it.
House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so the arts grants were not deleted. They just moved to the budget.
- Uh so the art grants issues with that.
- Uh so the art grants were<00:07:53.759><c> not</c><00:07:53.919><c> deleted.
- Again, the arts grants were moved from the supplemental to the budget.
- The arts grants were moved from the supplemental to the budget, so that's reflected in the budget.
Keywords:
land bank, land bank authority, local land bank authority, Alabama Land Bank Authority, tax delinquent property, tax sale, tax lien, redemption period, quiet title, blight remediation, vacant property, foreclosure, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, intergovernmental agreement, county government, municipal government, redevelopment, brownfields, floodplain management
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- , talking about the program design, looking at some of the funding and finance aspects of the program
- </c><00:02:08.160><c> talking</c> overview uh intro to the program talking overview uh intro to the program
- </c><00:04:00.799><c> it</c> so there at the set of the program it so there at the set of the program
- </c> movement at the time that the programers movement at the time that the programers created<00:04:
- can be selected within the program.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- week after week, problems with the PACE program.
- I've been involved with a lot of similar types of programs.
- CEQA should be stopping many of these programs.
- or loan programs in the future.
- This has to do with not using state resources to do those kinds of grants, grant opportunities.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire enforcement agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement for the buyer to bring the property into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision-makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it also passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1041 by Senator Riggins would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, but it drew strong opposition from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, and others over predatory lending and lien concerns; it passed 3-2 and remained on call.
The committee also considered SB 1075 by Senator Reyes, which would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality reduction measures in land-use approvals for industrial and commercial projects. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to implement community air plans, while counties, cities, business groups, builders, trucking interests, and others opposed it as duplicative of CEQA and a barrier to investment and jobs. After debate over local control and environmental justice, the bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958 by Senator Cabaldon would advance the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, replacing a former arena and parking lots with housing, affordable units, parks, and a new entertainment venue; with no opposition voiced, it passed 3-0 to Appropriations.
Another wildfire-related measure, SB 1182 by Senator Allen, would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas and direct state technical guidance on the issue. Supporters said insurance access is now a key indicator of risk, while some members questioned whether the bill would add useful information or burden local governments; the bill received a 1-1 vote and remained on call. The committee then began hearing SB 1116 by Senator Caballero, a starter-home/infill housing bill creating a streamlined ministerial path for small projects up to 10 units, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that measure.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- He took advantage of every rehabilitation program possible.
- I do not take for granted that I am able to stay in here today.
- I've hit to fight for things many people take for granted.
- that may want to, they're funded by a grant.
- And in these very... ...programs that may want to, they're funded by a grant.
Summary:
The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- training and seminars, reporting with confidentiality, of course, and the Council can accept gifts, grants
- Texas A&M established back in 2017 the academic security and counter-exploitation program.
- , research programs, etc.
- I don't, I don't track data related to my students or any students in my program.
- Faculty also use these grants to educate the next generation of innovators.
Keywords:
higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, faculty governance, decision-making, transparency, public meetings, department head, employment approval, public institutions, institutional oversight, education, funding, accountability, state budget, school performance, employment, Texas legislation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the discussions that we had in committee did deal with this issue of why a grant program with
- </c> did deal with this issue of why a grant did deal with this issue of why a grant program<00:07:25.919
- When you talk about the what grants do, grants are just part of the capital stack. Okay.
- </c> These kind of programs are critical. These kind of programs are critical.
- Providing grants. funding for projects. Providing grants. Providing<01:11:28.239><c> loans.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We grew up with these concepts so deeply embedded in our system that I think we take them for granted
- The federal government has already arbitrarily cut funding and programs, and they are proposing even
- At this point in time, the refugee program has been entirely frozen.
- And at this point in time, the refugee program has been entirely frozen.
- For gutting the Natural Resources Conservation Service grants, for killing climate-smart commodities
Summary:
The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms.
Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism.
A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a timeline that the person has to be within the U.S. on a granted legal status?
- Is there a timeline that the person has to be within the U.S. on a granted legal status?
- The bill also establishes a similar partnership program between DSHS and the City of Medical Lake for
- We did enter into a community policing program in 2023. It was modeled after Lakewood as well.
- That's granted to my mother for letting me watch Cops when I was younger.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 17th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- When it, the bill says that there might be potential for a state-funded grant program.
- At this point, we have no state-funded grant program that addresses laterals, I believe...
- At this point, we have no state-funded grant program that addresses laterals, I believe.
- program?
- , the vessel turn-in program, and FWC General Order 21.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably.
SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Mississippi River Parkway Commission 6/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the second part of it is legacy funds are competitive grants, annual competitive grants.
- </c><00:57:28.480><c> So</c> um one-year competitive grants. So um one-year competitive grants.
- There are grant programs there, so that may be something to look at.
- </c><01:06:48.400><c> programs</c><01:06:49.000><c> there,</c> area is There are grant programs there
- , area is There are grant programs there, so<01:06:49.520><c> that</c><01:06:49.760><c> may</c><01:06
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- 250 grants to 96 organizations across the state.
- For fiscal year 26 grants, many of the events and programming have started.
- A couple other programs, and plus there's a number of educational programs that we have posted on our
- Field Trip and other essay programs.
- So we're really excited about that program as well.
Summary:
The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary.
Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading.
Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- 250 grants to 96 organizations across the state.
- For the fiscal year 26 grants, many of the events and programming has started.
- A couple other programs, and plus there's a number of educational programs that we have posted on our
- , to America's Field Trip, and other essay programs.
- So we're really excited about that program as well.
Summary:
The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, after which members could not approve prior minutes because the earlier meeting had not been official. Co-chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent America 250/Henry Knox Trail events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester commemoration. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism then outlined Massachusetts’ America 250 plans, including the state’s 250th signature event on July 4 with the Boston Pops, grant-funded programming across the Commonwealth, and several national initiatives: a time capsule contribution, a coordinated July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, America’s Potluck on July 5, volunteer-service promotion through America Gives, and a tractor-themed tribute idea from Kansas. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions that Secretary of State William Galvin help decide the final item and that Massachusetts create its own backup time capsule; they also said the Declaration reading should be broadly promoted, while the potluck should likely wait for Governor Healey’s buy-in. Jonathan Lane and Dusty Rhodes then updated the commission on Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day, and Sail Boston, describing large crowds at prior events, the move of the Worcester program to a larger venue, planned commemorations in Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, and a major Sail Boston schedule in July with many international ships and extensive public-safety coordination. They also noted related plans such as an invitation-only Boston Public Library event to unveil the Washington Medal and a March 17 Dorchester Heights ceremony with a procession and tented program.
The final presentation was from John Lane on Rebel Town, a musical about the Boston Tea Party developed in western Massachusetts. He described the show as a family-friendly, educational production that blends history and theater, with characters including John Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, and John Hancock, and said it had been staged in Lenox with strong audience response. Lane asked the commission to help find a Boston venue and broader support so the production could be mounted for the 250th anniversary, estimating a larger-scale budget and noting interest from local supporters and cultural organizations. Members asked a few questions about prior performances and logistics, then agreed to circulate his materials to the commission. With no further business, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (9-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> applications following the the the grant applications following the the the grant process<00:14:
- </c><00:20:26.400><c> our</c> operational with that program. our operational with that program. our Kentucky
- </c> team with grants and what have you. team with grants and what have you.
- </c> a, uh, we had about a $5 million grant a, uh, we had about a $5 million grant that<00:54:14.319>
- I mean, grant writers have really been remarkable for us in Eastern Kentucky.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and heard a brief announcement from Senator Richardson about the Missing in America Project interring unclaimed veterans’ remains at the Western Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. He read the names of several veterans being laid to rest with military honors, and the chair thanked the volunteers involved in the effort.
The main presentation was an update on Kentucky’s urban search and rescue program from the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky Emergency Management. Officials said the program is being built around two regional task force hubs, a helicopter aquatic rescue team, an incident support team, and a rescue aid fund for local search and rescue units. They reported that the $8.3 million appropriated for the program in the 2025 budget was fully executed, that $482,670 of the rescue aid fund went to 29 local teams, and that $493,592 has already been allocated in the current year to 36 teams. They also described warehouse and equipment purchases, staffing with full-time and part-time personnel, and a new training site on state property for collapsed-structure and multi-agency exercises.
Officials said the program has already been used in recent disasters, including flood response and urban search and rescue operations in several parts of the state, and claimed the effort has impacted more than 1,500 citizens through rescues, evacuations, and related assistance. They said the helicopter aquatic rescue team is fully operational, the task force roster should be finalized by January, incident support should be online by April, and the full program should be deployable by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Members asked about statewide response times, K-9 search capabilities, and the long-term cost of the program, including concerns about reliance on federal matching funds. The presenters said K-9 assets will be part of the task force, that pre-positioning during forecasted storms can reduce response times significantly, and that they would provide more detailed budget information later.