APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM DUE SOON

First District Congressman Paul Ryan today made a reminder announcement that the deadline for applications for a new competitive grant program for fire departments is rapidly approaching. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must receive complete application packages for this year's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program on or before the close of business on May 2, 2001.

Fire departments in Wisconsin's First District that are interested in applying may visit FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration website on the internet at http://www.usfa.fema.gov for more information or to download the required application forms. In addition, they can contact FEMA via the following toll-free phone number: (866) 274-0960 to request application forms or receive technical assistance. They may also contact Ryan's Grants Coordinator, Susie Liston, at 1-888-909-RYAN (7926) or at (608) 752-4050 with questions about the fire grants program.

Local fire departments (that are recognized by the State or other appropriate political entity) nationwide are eligible for FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, making it highly competitive. The purpose of this grant program is to provide funding directly to fire departments for the purposes described in the following six eligible grant categories:

• Training firefighting personnel
• Establishing wellness and fitness programs for firefighting personnel
• Buying firefighting vehicles, including fire trucks
• Buying firefighting equipment, including equipment for communications and monitoring
• Buying personal protective equipment
• Funding fire prevention programs

Applicants may apply for grants in any two of the six categories, but the maximum amount an applicant may be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. Grantees must share in the cost of the funded project.

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