Media Contact: Release No.: 01-112 Bri Rodriguez Release Date: July 23, 2001 (202) 646-3138
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that 108 fire departments across the United States will receive more than $2.9 million in grants in the first round of awards under the Assistance to Firefighters Program.
The initial awards are part of more than $100 million in grants that will be distributed by FEMA through Sept. 30. The first awards are for training, to be followed by grants for vehicles, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness programs, and fire prevention programs.
More than 19,700 fire departments - volunteer and career - applied for grants this year, submitting requests totaling almost $2.98 billion.
"The overwhelming response to the grant program demonstrates the critical need for up-to-the-minute training and equipment in the nation’s firehouses," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "President Bush and I are pleased that we will be able to help hundreds of fire departments this year, and we look forward to being able to provide even more assistance next year."
The grants, authorized last year by Congress, will reach rural, urban and suburban fire departments. The grant applications are being processed by the U.S. Fire Administration and rated by representatives from seven fire service organizations. A list of training grant recipients is posted on the USFA web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.
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