Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – A community’s unemployment rate will now be considered as a factor in awarding federal grants to local fire departments.

The House of Representatives passed the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 this week. The legislation included an amendment by Congressman Dennis Cardoza that requires unemployment rates be considered when FEMA funds grants to assist with firefighter staff and fire safety.

The 18th Congressional District, which has been especially hard hit by the recession, has continued to experience some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

“Our local governments are struggling to provide services during these painful economic times,” said Congressman Cardoza. “It is imperative that we take every step possible to ensure federal grants are reaching areas that are in the in most need. This amendment is critical to better positioning our community to ensure our local firefighters not only remain on the job during these tough times, but also have access to the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safe.”

The amendment applies to FEMA’s Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.