Fire Grant 2002 information
Release Date: February 5, 2002
Release Number: R10-02-11
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 the Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA/USFA) administered a new $100 million grant program -- known as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - that provided financial assistance directly to local fire departments. The FY 2002 Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Bill (P.L. 107-73) provides FEMA/USFA with $150 million for this program in fiscal year 2002. A supplemental appropriations bill passed by Congress (H.R. 3338) includes an additional $210 million that FEMA/USFA can distribute over the next two years, for a total of $360 million for the program.
The Federal Register notice, explaining the 2002 program and application process, is expected to be published in February 2002. The application period is tentatively set for March 1 to April 1, 2002.
There are two major changes in this year's grant program that are designed to make the application process easier and more flexible. First, interested fire departments will be able to submit their applications via an internet-based system. Second, applications will be allowed in one of four functional or programmatic areas. Departments will be able to apply for multiple activities to achieve a functional improvement in their capabilities. In addition, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been added as an eligible activity for funding this year.
Applications will be allowed in one of four functional or programmatic areas:
- Firefighting Operations and Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Firefighting Equipment
- Training
- Wellness and Fitness
- Fire Prevention (a minimum 5% of the total funding)
- Public Education and Awareness
- Code Enforcement
- Inspector Certification
- Purchase and Install Smoke Alarms
- Arson Prevention and Detection
- EMS
- Equipment
- Training
- Firefighting Vehicles (a maximum of 25% of the total funding)
Working with the States of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, FEMA Region 10 is presenting workshops around the region to assist local departments with their applications. Attendance at a workshop is NOT required to apply.
- An updated list of workshops and other information is available at www.usfa.fema.gov.
- Workshops are free and open to the public
- No reservations are required
- Workshops for the states of Nevada, Montana, and Utah are listed under the FEMA Region 8 link
Applicants may also contact USFA on a toll free number (866) 274-0960 or by email at usfagrants@fema.gov for technical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can i contact for more detailed information?
Answer:
FEMA/USFA Assistance
(866) 274-0960 ph
(866) 274-0942 fax
website: www.usfa.fema.gov
email: usfagrants@fema.gov
What is the total a local fire department can apply for?
Answer:
$750,000
How are matching funds divided between large and small communities?
Answer:
Departments serving populations over 50,000 have a 30% match, those under 50,000 make a 10% match.
Who reviews the grant applications?
Answer:
Fire fighters from across the nation, drawn from professional organizations, score the grant applications.
Under this grant can i apply for funds for a search & rescue team? how about swift water rescue team or a usar team?
Answer:
No. The grant is limited to fire fighting and EMS activities.
Will new york city get most of the money due to the number of vehicles lost on 9-11?
Answer:
No. FDNY will be reimbursed for their vehicles through separate disaster funding.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 17:22:23