From the Offices of SENATOR CHRIS DODD & REP BILL PASCRELL, JR
Press Release
Washington - Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8th), the sponsors of the first comprehensive federal grant program for local firefighters, announced that today the Senate passed the Supplemental Appropriations Conference Report that included an additional $150 million in federal funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Program, bringing the total for Fiscal Year 2002 to $510 million. Late yesterday evening the House of Representatives passed the same bill that included identical funding by a vote of 397 to 32.
The Assistance to Firefighters Program was created by Pascrell's landmark Firefighter Investment Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act legislation, which was shepherded through the Senate by Dodd. It was first enacted in October of 2000, and is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 represents a 410% increase from last year. Both Pascrell and Dodd have been tireless advocates for additional funding for the FIRE grant program.
"Just as we wouldn't send our armed forces into the field without the best weapons, we shouldn't allow firefighters to battle blazes with second hand equipment," said Dodd. "This assistance can ensure they have the tools they need to do a very difficult job."
"The tragic events of September 11th reminded us all of the unwavering bravery and dedication of our firefighters," Pascrell added. "With an increase of $410 million for this program over last year, we honor that commitment and help thousands of local fire departments achieve their vital missions."
"This greatly increased level of funding is an enormous boost for our first responders, who deserve nothing less than the full partnership of the federal government. For too long, the federal government was AWOL when it came to assisting local fire departments and their communities. Thanks to the FIRE Act, those days are over."
The Fiscal Year 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which included the $150 million for the program, now goes to the President for his signature. This funding is in addition to the $360 million already approved for the Assistance to Firefighters Program as part of the Fiscal Year 2002 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill and the Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Appropriations Bill and brings the total for this year to $510 million.
Although the FIRE Act was initially authorized for $300 million for Fiscal Year 2002, funding for the program was slated to be eliminated by the Bush Administration. It was not included in the President's initial Fiscal Year 2002 Budget blueprint, submitted to Congress in February of last year, with the Administration stating that it was an inappropriate use of federal funds. Following lobbying by Dodd, Pascrell, and a bipartisan group of Members, the Administration relented and included in its formal budget an authorization for $100 million, which was equal to the prior year's funding level.
During Fiscal Year 2001, the Agency awarded 1,855 grants to local departments across the country, totaling $100 million. 36 fire departments throughout New Jersey secured grants in year one. They included:
- Paterson -- $244,933
- Montclair -- $4,500
- Verona -- $12,078
- Clifton -- $130,824
- Wayne -- $29,700
Recently FEMA began announcing the recipients of this year's FIRE grant grants. Last week, the City of Passaic's Fire Department was awarded $195,811 for new personal protective safety equipment.
More than 19,500 applications were received by FEMA in the second year of the program, with requests totaling approximately $2.2 billion. FEMA expects to award 5,500 grants with the funds appropriated in FY 2002. Grants were available in the following four categories:
- Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety (eligible activities include: Training, Wellness and Fitness, Firefighting Equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment);
- Fire Prevention (eligible activities include: Public Education, Public Awareness, Code Enforcement, and Arson Prevention);
- Emergency Medical Services (eligible activities include: Training and Equipment); and
- Firefighting vehicles.
Applicants were allowed to apply for grants in any one of the four categories, and had to demonstrate financial need while articulating the benefits to be derived from the grant. The maximum award during any fiscal year is $750,000. America's 32,000 paid, volunteer, and part-paid departments were all eligible for the grants under the program. The grant applications are processed through the U.S. Fire Administration and rated by representatives of the seven major fire service organizations in a "peer review" process.
Pascrell's FIRE Act was developed through his Public Safety Advisory Committee, a group of distinguished public safety professionals that meet regularly with the Congressman to discuss fire safety and law enforcement issues. The bill was modeled after the successful COPS program passed by Congress in 1994, and was strongly supported by all seven fire service organizations. These include the International Association of Firefighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Fire Protection Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Society of Fire Service Instructors, and National Association of State Fire Marshals.
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