FEMA has also awarded $1,346,322 to Iowa to help with state and local homeland security efforts, Grassley said.
Assistance to Firefighter Grants have been awarded to fire departments in Armstrong, Castana, Decorah, Essex, Farmington, Grand Mound, Keokuk and Runnells.
These funds are given through the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program and can be used to train firefighting personnel, establish wellness and fitness programs for firefighters, and purchase firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.
"Iowa's first responders make our communities safer. Because of the important role they play, it's important that they have the resources to get the proper equipment and training," Grassley said. "This funding will help make sure that these local firefighters have access to quality training and the personal protective equipment they need."
The amount awarded to each community is listed here:
| Armstrong Benefitted Fire Department | $61,200 |
| Castana Volunteer Fire Department | $62,517 |
| Decorah Fire Department | $50,873 |
| Essex Firefighters, Inc. | $37,699 |
| Farmington Fire Department | $42,480 |
| Grand Mound, Welton Volunteer Fire Company | $35,240 |
| Keokuk, Jackson Township Fire Association | $46,530 |
| Runnells, Camp Township Fire Department | $48,078 |
Grassley said that FEMA received more than 19,500 applications and is in the process of awarding 5,500 grants. The awards represent a $360 million investment to the enhancement of local fire and emergency medical services. This is the tenth round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded this year.
The Homeland Security funding awarded today is provided through the fiscal 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response to Terrorist Attacks.
Of this funding, $1,011,387 will be provided for Emergency Operations Planning (EOP) to update plans and procedures to respond to all hazards, with a focus. FEMA has also awarded $284,935 to support the growth of Citizen Corps and the expansion of FEMA's Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program. Finally, $50,000 will be provided to conduct assessments of the state's Emergency Operations Center.
"This funding is an important start in helping Iowa modernize and strengthen its emergency preparedness statewide," Grassley said.