Homeland Security Announces Fire Prevention And Safety Grants And Supplemental Assistance To Firefighter FY03 Grants
86 Fire Departments and Organizations Receive Over Seven Million Dollars in Firefighters Grants
Release Date: September 24, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-202
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced the distribution of over $7 million from the FY03 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. Eighty-four (84) fire departments will receive almost $6.5 million from the FY03 AFG program, and an additional two fire departments will receive over $600,000 for Fire Prevention and Safety grants that are part of the FY03.
"We continue to distribute these funds to ensure every possible dollar is given to firefighters in assistance for the services they provide their communities," said Brown. "President Bush, Secretary Ridge and I are committed to the safety of all of our communities, and know that it's critical for our first responders to have the necessary tools and equipment to do their jobs to secure our hometowns and homeland."
In FY03, over 8,600 fire departments were approved for over $695 million to assist them in their role as first responders in their neighborhood and communities. As some fire departments receiving awards from the FY03 grant program returned unused funds, these critical dollars are immediately redistributed to other fire departments.
The FY03 AFG program was administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. On June 4, 2004, Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness began distributing funds for the FY04 AFG program.
Fire departments having questions regarding the FY03 AFG program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via email at usfagrants@fema.gov. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, and any of the many other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or enroll in the USFA email distribution list serve for the most current news releases from the USFA.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 24-Sep-2004 09:32:36