Schumer: Over $1.86 Million Coming To North Country Fire Departments For Fire Operations And Safety
Schumer announces that 93 fire departments and organizations across New York State will receive over $8.2 million as part of Homeland Securitys FIRE GRANT programSchumer says federal grants will help fire depts in Clinton, Essex, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington counties pay for fire operations and fire safety in tough fiscal timesSchumer fought to restore $
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced over $1.86 million in federal funds for North County fire departments and organizations to pay for fire operations and fire safety. The funds are being awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This is a great day for fire departments in the North Country, said Schumer. Firefighters and emergency professionals put their lives on the line every day and it is imperative that we do everything we can to provide them with everything they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. These grants are an enormous step in the right direction.
In Franklin County, two grants were awarded for a total of $102,716 for fire operations and safety to the Earlville Fire Department ($32,650) and the Bangor Volunteer Fire Company ($70,066). In addition, two grants were awarded for a total of $389,500 to the Moira Fire District Number One ($152,000) and the St. Regis Falls Volunteer Fire Department ($237,500) for new the purchase of a new fire vehicle.
In Warren County, three grants were awarded for a total of $107,804 for fire operations and safety to the North Creek Volunteer Fire Company ($56,088), the North River Volunteer Fire Company ($29,132) and the Garnet Lake Volunteer Fire Company ($22,584).
In Clinton County, two grants were awarded for a total of $246,705 to the Dannemora Fire Department ($80,455) for fire operations and safety and the Lyon Mt Fire Department ($166,250) for a new fire truck.
In St Lawrence County, two grants were awarded for a total of $329,650 to the City of Ogdensburg Fire Department ($114,000) for fire operations and safety and the Morristown Volunteer Fire Department ($215,650) for a new fire truck.
In Washington County, two grants were awarded for a total of $241,076 to the Middle Falls Fire Department ($98,576) for fire operations and safety and the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Company ($142,500) for a new fire truck.
Six grants for a total of $451,434 for fire operations and safety were awarded to Wilmington Fire District #1 ($103,360) and Patchin Fire Company ($42,111) in Essex County, Adams Fire Department ($119,320) and Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department ($34,224) in Jefferson County and the Constableville Volunteer Fire Company ($63,356) and Lyons Falls Fire Department ($89,063) in Lewis County. The grants were part of the initial round of fire grants in FY05, with more 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.
"If ever our local fire departments needed an infusion of cash from the federal government, that time is now," Schumer said. "Budget gaps are worse than they've been in a long time with little relief in sight, and the strain on local fire departments is becoming too much to bear. Add to that the heightened alert our first responders are on because of the war, and this opportunity for fire departments to get financial support is just what the doctor ordered."
The grant program, called the USFA Grants to Firefighters Program, awards grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of firefighting personnel, facing fire and firerelated hazards.
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.