FEMA Announces Largest Number Of Assistance To Firefighters Grant Awards To Aid America's Firefighters 

Oregon Receives $103,436 to Assist Local Fire Departments

Release Date: July 25, 2003
Release Number: R10-03-80

» 2003 Region X News Releases

Salem - Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 450 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. in the seventh round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. Included in the announcement were awards for four communities in Oregon, including grants to Dundee, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, and Veneta.

This week's announcement represents almost $27 million for fire departments, and represents the largest announcement to date in 2003 in support of America's firefighters as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve.

"I'm pleased to announce 450 fire departments will receive their much needed funding this week," said Under Secretary Brown. "President Bush and Congress recognize the impact these grants make in our first responders' ability to continue saving lives and property. We're pleased to make such significant support of this nation's commitment to a safe homeland."

The grants will ultimately total approximately 7,000 awards worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters, and will help local fire departments with the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.

Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in Oregon for fire operations and firefighter safety:

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.

"On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration."

Last Modified: Monday, 28-Jul-2003 11:54:04