Homeland Security Announces Second Round Of Grants To Washington Fire Departments
Washington Receives $263,866 To Assist Local Fire Departments
Release Date: June 20, 2003
Release Number: R10-03-59
Seattle, WA -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced today the second round of what will ultimately total approximately 7,000 grants worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters from the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. Included in the announcement were awards for two communities in Washington, including grants to Anacortes and Centralia.
"In just the last two weeks, Homeland Security has provided more than $20 million to hundreds of fire departments across the country," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. "The $750 million in grants that will be awarded over the next year clearly illustrate our commitment to assisting our nation's first responders.
This second round of grants includes $6.8 million to help local fire departments fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. In the past two weeks, 337 departments have received more than $20 million dollars to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve.
"Over the next year, we will continue to invest in our nation's firefighters through grants, training and operational support, said Under Secretary Brown. "Ensuring our firefighters are trained and equipped to safely and effectively respond to emergencies is central to our department's mission.".
Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in Washington:
- Skagit County Fire District #17, - Anacortes, $38,866 for Fire Operations and Fire Safety.
- Thurston County Fire Protection District # 16, - Centralia, $ 225,000 for a Firefighting Vehicle.
The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. A list of all current award recipients announced to date is posted on the USFA web site at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.
Last Modified: Friday, 20-Jun-2003 13:10:15