Round Twenty-Five Of The Assistance To Firefighters Grants To Aid America's Fire Departments Announced By FEMA
Idaho Receives $64,000 to Assist Local Fire Departments in Latest Round of Grants
Release Date: December 5, 2003
Release Number: R10-04-48
BOISE, Idaho -- 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 7,000 awards worth $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters. This latest round included awards for three Idaho communities.
“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.
Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in Idaho to enhance fire operations and firefighter safety:
- Clearwater-Potlach Timber Protective Association ($20,250).
- Twin Ridge ($8,235).
- City of Ketchum Fire Department ($35,451).
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 at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients are 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 10:05:36