U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20472 Grant Programs Directorate Information Bulletin No. 277 January 28, 2008 TO: All State Administrative Agency Heads All State Administrative Agency Points of Contact All State Homeland Security Directors All State Drivers’ Licensing Authorities FROM: W. Ross Ashley Assistant Administrator Grant Programs Directorate Federal Emergency Management Agency SUBJECT: Consolidation of Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 REAL ID Funding Availability The purpose of this Information Bulletin (IB) is to provide All State Agency contacts with an updated notice of funding availability for FY 2008 REAL ID funding initiatives. On December 18th 2007, FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) released grant guidance for $31.3 million under the FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program. On December 26, 2007, the President signed the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Public Law 110-5), which appropriates an additional $50 million in REAL ID grants to States. In order to streamline the REAL ID grant process, FEMA/GPD plans to consolidate the $50 million appropriation with the $31.3 million recently announced. States will use the FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program solicitation to submit applications for REAL ID grant funding totaling $79.875 million. The total amount available for grant funding reflects deductions legislatively authorized and taken by DHS for program management and administration of REAL ID grant funds. Demonstration grant program applications will now be due March 7, 2008. States that had not planned to submit grant applications before now may reconsider applying for this consolidated REAL ID funding opportunity. States are reminded to submit their REAL ID grant applications through www.grants.gov using the FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program guidance. Eligible applicants for REAL ID funding are State Drivers’ Licensing Authorities (DLA) which in most cases would be State Motor Vehicle Administrations (MVA) or State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some cases, other agencies such as State Departments of Public Safety would be eligible grant applicants if these agencies are responsible for DLA’s in their State. Should you have any questions, please contact your Preparedness Officer at (800) 368-6498. www.fema.gov