FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2004
SCHUMER: OVER $247,000 COMING TO LOCKE FIRE DISTRICT TO
BUY NEW FIRE TRUCK
Schumer announces that 53 fire departments across New York
State will receive over $3 million as part of FEMA’s FIRE
GRANT program
Schumer says federal grant will help the Locke Fire District buy
a new firefighting vehicle
In March, Schumer fought to restore $400 million to the FIRE
grants program which would be cut under the Administration's FY05
budget
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced over $247,000 in
federal funds for the Locke Fire District to pay for a new firefighting
vehicle. The funds are being awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters
program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).
“This is a great day for the Locke Fire District,”
said Schumer. “In the brave new post-9/11 world, our first
responders must be well trained and well equipped to deal with any
problem that comes their way. This is really difficult when budget
cuts are leaving them short on cash. These federal grants will help
make sure that firefighters have the money they need to do their
jobs.”
The $247,500 grant for the Locke Fire District is part of the nineteenth
round of grants awarded to fire departments across the country with
more rounds of awards to come. Fifty-three fire departments across
New York State received grants this round.
A Schumer analysis of the Administration's federal budget for FY05
found that cuts to the program could shortchange New York fire departments
by $16 million. In March, Schumer urged the Congress and the White
House to bolster the Administration's proposal by sending the full
$900 million promised to fire departments by Congress.
At Schumer's urging, fire departments across New York have taken
advantage of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which
sends funds directly for activities such as hiring additional firefighting
personnel; specialized emergency response training for situations
like terrorist attacks; the creation of wellness and fitness programs
for firefighters; equipment and facility upgrades; new fire trucks;
and fire prevention programs. Because of its dramatic success in
improving fire safety, Congress has raised the amount of money available
in the program from $100 million for 2001, to $350 million for 2002,
to $745 million for 2003, and finally to $750 million for 2004.
"If ever our local fire departments needed an infusion of
cash from the federal government, that time is now," Schumer
said. "Budget gaps are worse than they've been in a long time
with little relief in sight, and the strain on local fire departments
is becoming too much to bear. Add to that the heightened alert our
first responders are on because of the war, and this opportunity
for fire departments to get financial support is just what the doctor
ordered."
The grant program, called the USFA Grants to Firefighters Program,
awards grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability
to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that
of firefighting personnel, facing fire and fire-related hazards.
The USFA awards the grants on a competitive basis to the applicants
that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate
financial need. Funding is available for activities such as hiring
additional firefighting personnel; specialized emergency response
training for situations like terrorist attacks; the creation of
wellness and fitness programs for firefighters; equipment and facility
upgrades; and fire prevention programs.
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