The Federal Emergency Management Agency will award the grant to 42 communities to increase the effectiveness of fire prevention and to support firefighter safety.
``I am pleased those brave men and women will receive the essential fire fighting tools they need to keep our communities safe,'' said Harkin, D-Iowa. ``The equipment, technology and training these grants will support are the key to protecting Iowa's firefighters and our homes and loved ones.''
This federal funding will distribute $750 million nationally to fire departments in 2004.
``Local firefighters are first ones on the scene at emergencies in our communities and these funds will help make sure they have the equipment and training they need to protect Iowans,'' said Grassley, R-Iowa.
