Three Washington State Fire Departments Receive Fire Grants In Second Round
Release Date: July 30, 2001
Release Number: R10-01-41
Washington, DC -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today three Washington state fire departments will receive grants in the second round of awards under the Assistance to Firefighters Program. The fire departments slated for grants are:
- Thurston County Fire Protection District 17,Yelm, Wash.; $4,480 for training
- Skagit County Fire Protection District 9, Clear Lake, Wash.; $19,485 for training
- Grant County Fire Protection District 8, Mattawa, Wash. $27,900 for vehicles
These departments are among the 81 fire departments across the United States that will receive more than $4.4 million in grants in the second round of awards. According to the agency, more than $2.6 million of the funds are to be used for firefighting vehicles and $1.7 million for training purposes. More grants in both categories will be announced in coming weeks.
The awards announced today bring the total assistance provided to date to $7.3 million of the $100 million in grants to be distributed by FEMA through Sept. 30. A total of $2.9 million was distributed for training during the first round of awards announced July 23. Additional categories for future awards will also include firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness programs, and fire prevention programs.
More than 19,700 fire departments - volunteer and career - applied for grants this year, submitting requests totaling almost $2.98 billion.
"Our goal is to ensure every American community is protected by the most highly trained and best equipped firefighting force in the world," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "These grants for vehicles and training will help us achieve that goal."
The grants, authorized last year by Congress, will reach rural, urban and suburban fire departments. The grant applications are being processed by the U.S. Fire Administration and reviewed by representatives from seven fire service organizations. In each case, the federal grants will be supplemented by local funds.
A list of training and vehicle grant recipients is posted on the USFA web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.
Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Oct-2003 10:31:48