Round Twenty-Five Of The Assistance To Firefighters Grants To Aid America's Fire Departments Announced By FEMA 

Newport Receives $13,950 to Assist Local Fire Departments in Latest Round of Grants

Release Date: December 5, 2003
Release Number: R10-04-47

» 2003 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 177 grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. in the twenty-fifth round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grants will ultimately total approximately 7,000 awards worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters. Included in this latest round was a grant of $13,950 for the Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District No. 6 to enhance fire operations and firefighter safety.

“This direct funding is essential to train and equip our first responders who protect lives and property against all hazards in our communities each day,” said Brown. “President Bush, Secretary Ridge and I remain steadfast in our commitment to support America’s firefighters and appreciate Congress’ leadership in appropriating these grant monies.”

This twenty-fifth round of grants provides over $17 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. Since June, over 6600 fire departments have received almost $495 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administers the Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program. 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: Friday, 05-Dec-2003 10:00:05