FEMA Fire Grants Provide Over $16.5 Million to Support America's Firefighters
Release Date: August 10, 2007
Release Number: HQ-07-160
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the third round of awards under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. Through this third round of awards, 164 departments will receive a total of nearly $13 million. In addition, funds from the FY 2006 AFG program will be distributed to 36 fire departments and emergency medical service organizations totaling $3.7 million.
In total, the FY 2007 AFG alone will provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations across the nation, with grants being distributed on a weekly basis over the next several months.
"The recent challenges faced by Minneapolis firefighters and first responders, reminds all of us to the importance of these much needed federal grants," said United States Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "Responding to all emergencies requires the best equipment, training and management of resources are available to this nation's firefighters. We do not know which department will face today's emergencies, but these funds will make it possible for the firefighters to have the right tools to do the right things to protect people as we continue to build a culture of preparedness at the local level."
Since FY 2001, and including FY 2007, over $3.3 billion in AFG funding has been distributed to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations for response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles, and training. AFG is a highly competitive program. FEMA received more than 20,000 applications requesting over $3 billion in funding under the FY 2007 AFG.
AFG supports activities in two program areas: Operations and Safety, which funds activities such as training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities; and Vehicle Acquisition, which funds fire department apparatus such as brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, aerials, foam units, and fireboats. AFG also supports regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds.
FEMA selects AFG recipients through a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts. Grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address AFG program priorities recommended by a panel of fire service professionals representing the nine major fire service organizations. The list of FY 2007 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com).
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Aug-2007 15:08:47