Kildee Announces $139,000 in Grant Awards for the Gaines Twp. and Fenton Fire Departments

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $129,960 to the Gaines Township Fire Department and $9,025 to the City of Fenton Fire Department.  FEMA, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, awarded the funds to the Gaines and Fenton fire departments under the Fiscal Year 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fire operations and firefighter safety. 

“I remain dedicated to providing federal support to our first responders.  Proper training and equipment for our firefighters are critical to the public safety of Genesee County,” said Kildee.  “These funds will enable our first responders to pursue new training and wellness programs and provide them with the necessary resources to acquire new safety and personal protective equipment.”

Congressman Kildee was an original cosponsor of the legislation authorizing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, a coordinated effort to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as their own.  The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act of 2000 authorized FEMA to make grants available to fire departments throughout the nation.  Fire Departments nationwide will receive $490 million to support fire protection, EMS delivery, vehicle procurement and prevention programs in 2007.  FEMA typically receives more than 20,000 applications each year from fire departments requesting funds provided by this program.