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Schumer: Over $120,000 Coming to Two Central New York Fire Organizations

Schumer announces that 12 fire departments and organizations across New York State will receive nearly $660,000 as part of U.S. Department of Homeland Securities FIRE GRANT programSchumer says federal grant will help pay for fire operations and fire safety in tough fiscal timesIn March, Schumer fought to restore $400 million to the FIRE grants program which would be cut under the Administ


US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced $120,306 in federal funds for two Central New York fire departments, Clinton Fire Department and Kuyahoora Volunteer Ambulance Corp.. The funds, awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will pay for fire operations and fire safety.

Hurricane Katrina and the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have taught us that our local first responders must be well equipped and well trained, Schumer said. With budget gaps worse than they have been in a long time, this federal infusion of cash is just what the doctor ordered. These federal grants will help make sure that firefighters have the money they need to do their incredibly important jobs."

Two grants for a total of $120,306 were awarded to fire departments and organizations in two Central New York communities: the Clinton Fire Department ($88,301) in Oneida County and the Kuyahoora Volunteer Ambulance Corp. ($31,825) in Herkimer County for operations and fire safety. The grants were part of the third round of DHS FY 2005 grants across the country, with more rounds to come.

A Schumer analysis of the Administration's federal budget for FY05 found that cuts to the program could shortchange New York fire departments by $16 million. In March, Schumer urged the Congress and the White House to bolster the Administration's proposal by sending the full $900 million promised to fire departments by Congress.

At Schumer's urging, fire departments and emergency services providers across New York have taken advantage of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which sends funds directly for activities such as specialized emergency response training for situations like terrorist attacks; the creation of wellness and fitness programs for firefighters; equipment and facility upgrades; new fire trucks; and fire prevention programs.

The USFA awards the grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. Funding is available for activities such as specialized emergency response training for situations like terrorist attacks; the creation of wellness and fitness programs for firefighters; equipment and facility upgrades; and fire prevention programs.