News
November 19, 2008
harkin announces nearly $150,000 in firefighting funds for audubon fire department
Washington. D.C. – U. S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the Audubon Fire Department has received $148,722 from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“Iowa firefighters devote themselves to our communities and help protect our families without fear,” said Harkin. “The Audubon firefighters need resources to help them do their job effectively, and these grants will help them keep Iowans safe.”
The AFG Program helps Iowa communities purchase firefighting equipment, improve facilities, and implement health and wellness programs. Fire departments can submit proposals to receive funds for new fire trucks, hoses, protective equipment, rescue vehicles, and training for emergency personnel.
Although AFG Program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States, it places a particular emphasis on rural fire departments. At least 55 percent of the program’s funding must go to fire departments that use volunteer firefighters. This means that towns like Audubon are not competing against cities like Des Moines. Additionally, the program allows smaller communities to contribute less in local funding. In today's economy, this makes it possible for small fire departments to take advantage of the program.
