Iowa Fire Departments to Receive More Than $350,000


WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award nine grants totaling $350,831 to Iowa fire departments.



The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the money as shown below.



• Centralia Peosta Volunteer Fire Department will receive $189,614 through the operations and safety grant program

• Elgin Volunteer Fire Department will receive $18,242 through the operations and safety grant program

• Manning Fire & Rescue will receive $104,595 through the operations and safety grant program

• Riceville Fire Department will receive $38,380 through the vehicle acquisition program



According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operations and safety grant program provides funding for training, equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and the vehicle acquisition grant program provides funding for various firefighting and rescue vehicles.



“Iowa’s firefighters need training and equipment to their job to the best of their ability.  The safety of our communities depends on it,” Grassley said.



Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.