March 1, 2004 - Representative Doyle announced that the federal government is currently taking applications from local fire departments for funding under the federal Assistance for Firefighters Grant.

“Congress recognizes the tremendous responsibility that our firefighters have to protect American lives and property from destruction,” Congressman Doyle said today. “In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, our firefighters have become first responders in the war on terrorism as well. Many local fire departments and volunteer fire companies just don’t have the resources they need to meet all of their new responsibilities. That’s why I worked with many of my colleagues in Congress to enact this important program.

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Award program was established as part of the Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Department authorization bill. Under this law, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness make grants directly to local fire departments so that they can increase their effectiveness at fighting fires, improve firefighters’ health and safety, and establish or expand fire prevention and safety programs. This year, $750 million is available for this grant program.

“Congress has made $750 million available this year to help local fire departments make our communities safer,” Doyle observed, “but the money will only go to the communities that apply for it. That’s why I want to encourage all of our local fire departments and volunteer fire companies to apply for this assistance - and why I am sending letters out to all of them as well to make certain that they know about this opportunity to improve their capabilities.”

As part of the application process, applicants must demonstrate financial need and describe the benefits that would be produced by the grant funding requested. Grantees must share in the cost of the funded project. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent. Grantees that service jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share.

Information on the program, including a list of frequently asked questions, is available on the Office of Domestic Preparedness website (www.firegrantsupport.com) and the U.S. Fire Administration website (www.usfa.fema.gov ). Fire departments that have questions about this program can contact the fire grant help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via email at firegrants@dhs.gov.

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