Those applications requested in excess of $2.3 billion.
Last year, 19,949 applications for the 2003 AFGP, requested about $2.5 billion. AFGP Fire Prevention & Safety Grants are to be announced soon and will wrap up the distribution of over $700 million in grants. That same amount is expected to be distributed for the 2004 program.
Grant Program Director Brian Cowan said there were fewer applications started this year compared to last year, but more completed. This indicated a growing comfort level of those dealing with the applications. Fewer were discarded in frustration or restarted, rather more were taken to completion.
Next week, peer review of applications will begin at the Emmitsburg, Maryland USFA Campus that will last until mid May at which time those qualified will go through technical review. Grant awards should begin the first part of June.
USFA is preparing a detailed analysis of the makeup of grant applications submitted this year, which Firehouse.com will post when available.
