WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award three grants totaling $381,418 to fire departments in Iowa.
The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the money as shown below.
• Epworth Fire Department will receive $81,220 through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program to pay for firefighting gear, physicals and immunizations, equipment and other training costs.
• Independence Fire Department will receive $287,088 through the Operations and Safety Program to purchase communication equipment.
• Manilla Fire Department will receive $13,110 through the Operations and Safety Program to purchase communication equipment.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Operations and Safety Program provides funding for training, equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to increase the number of firefighters in their communities.
“Firefighters need the right training and equipment to protect their communities,” Grassley said. “These funds help make sure they have access to what they need.”
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.