Maine Fire Departments Receive More Than $918,000 Through FEMA's Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program
Release Date: August 10, 2007
Release Number: R1-07-017
Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $918,693.00 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Maine. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.
This week's round of FY 2007 fire grants are being awarded to 164 fire departments and organizations nationwide, with an additional 36 awards being distributed from the FY 2006 funding.
"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."
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program includes grants to the fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Massachusetts for:
| Sebago Fire Department | Vehicle Acquisition | $56,050.00 | Sebago |
| Wayne Volunteer Fire Department | Operations and Safety | $62,643.00 | Wayne |
| Town of Union Fire and Ambulance Departments | Operations and Safety | $800,000.00 | Union |
AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. AFG also supports regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds.
Since FY 2001, and including FY 2007, over $3.3 billion in AFG funding has been distributed to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities. AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the National Preparedness Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.
The full list of FY 2007 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com).
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Aug-2007 08:10:56