December 19, 2002

CAPPS ANNOUNCES FEMA GRANTS FOR ATASCADERO AND GROVER BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps announced that the Atascadero City and Grover Beach Fire Departments have been awarded grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Atascadero will receive $147,000 and Grover Beach nearly $41,500 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Last week, the Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo City Fire Departments received significant grants.

This federal funding will enable the fire departments to carry out a number of important initiatives, including firefighter training, purchasing new equipment, and improving technology. The two San Luis Obispo County fire departments are among 743 units across the nation receiving today’s grants.

“As a strong supporter of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, I am proud that these two outstanding departments will receive federal support,” said Rep. Capps. “Local firefighters are heroes that protect public safety every day. It is incumbent upon the federal government to ensure they have the tools they need to do the job,” Capps continued.

“The men and women of both volunteer and career fire departments confront new and changing life safety challenges every day,” said U.S. Fire Administration Administrator R. David Paulison.

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