Congress Approves $150 Million for FY 2002 FIRE Grant Progra

Washington, DC -- On November 26, President Bush signed the FY 2002 VA/HUD appropriations bill that included $150 million to continue the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program next year. The Conference report must still be approved by the House and Senate before it is sent to the President for his signature.

 

The NVFC continues to work with the other major fire service organizations and Members of Congress to find other avenues to increase funding to even higher levels, including attaching additional funding for the program to an emergency spending bill. The program is authorized to receive up to $300 million in FY 2002.

 

"The NVFC is encouraged by the 50% increase in funding for the grant program next year," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "However, as our country's domestic defenders during these troubled times, America's fire service needs significantly more support to properly carry out our duties. We plan on working closely with our friends in Congress to see that happen."

 

The Conference Report also includes language that allows up to five percent of the funding to be used for salaries and expenses associated with setting up a full-time grant office. In addition, it included a recommendation that FEMA should consider the circumstances of smaller departments with limited resources as it evaluates the effectiveness of the program.

 

In the first year of the program, more than 19,000 fire departments applied for close to $3 billion in assistance, although only $100 million was available. This year's grants can be used for personal protective equipment, apparatus, training, firefighting equipment, public education and wellness and fitness programs.