Schumer: Over $990,000 Coming To New York Fire Departments And Organizations
Schumer announces that 8 fire departments across New York State will receive over $990,000 as part of FEMAs FIRE GRANT program
Schumer says federal grant will help fire depts and orgs in Albany, Delaware, Erie, Livingston, Monroe and Nassau counties to pay for fire prevention and fire safety efforts
In March, Schumer fought to restore $400 million to the FIRE grants program
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced over $990,000 in federal funds awarded to local fire departments and organizations across New York State to help the department reduce the effects of fire and fire related incidents. The funds are being awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This is a great day for local fire departments and organizations across New York, said Schumer. In the brave new post9/11 world, our first responders must be well trained and well equipped to deal with any problem that comes their way. These federal grants help fire departments prevent fire related incidents and will help make sure that firefighters have the money they need to keep doing their jobs.
Eight grants or a total of $992,296 were awarded to local fire departments and organizations in Albany, Delaware, Erie, Livingston, Monroe and Nassau counties. The grants were part of 64 given to fire departments and organizations across the country with more rounds of awards to come.
(For a list of specific fire departments receiving grants, please see attached chart).
At Schumer's urging, fire departments across New York have taken advantage of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which sends funds directly for activities such as hiring additional firefighting personnel; 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. Because of its dramatic success in improving fire safety, Congress has raised the amount of money available in the program from $100 million for 2001, to $350 million for 2002, to $745 million for 2003, and finally to $750 million for 2004.
"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 additional financial support is just what the doctor ordered."
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program (FP&S), under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), awards grants directly to fire departments and organizations that are dedicated to reducing the effects of fire and fire related incidents. They reserve the highest priority for projects focusing on the prevention of firerelated injuries in children.
The grants are made available to fire departments and other organizations, especially national, state, local and community organizations that are recognized specifically for their experience and expertise in fire prevention or safety programs and activities. Examples include projects that affect an entire community such as educating the public about and demonstrating work models of residential sprinklers.
