WASHINGTON – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $76,000 to Argentine Township Fire and Rescue in Genesee County.  The Office for Domestic Preparedness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, awarded these funds to Argentine Township under the Fiscal Year 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety. 

“We must continue to provide more funding to ensure the safety and preparedness of those brave men and women who continually risk their lives to protect our lives,” said Kildee.  “These funds will enable our local fire departments to pursue new training and wellness programs and to provide them with access to new equipment.”

Congressman Kildee was an original cosponsor of the legislation authorizing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act was passed in 2000 and authorized FEMA to make grants available to fire departments throughout the nation.  Fire Departments nationwide will receive $485 million to support fire protection, EMS delivery, and vehicle purchase and prevention programs in 2006.  FEMA typically receives over 20,000 applications a year from fire departments across the country for access to funds provided by this program.