WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants totaling $1,108,532 to four Iowa communities through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“The storms that hit Iowa last summer show just how important first responders are to local safety,” Grassley said. “This money will help make sure these fire departments have the equipment and personnel necessary to keep the community safe.”
The communities received funds through the Operations and Safety Program. The Operations and Safety Program helps provide to fire departments training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. FEMA distributed the funds as shown below.
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Epworth Fire Department - $36,365
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Auburn Fire and Rescue - $146,007
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Iowa City Fire Department - $906,400
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Lake Mills Fire Department - $19,760
This funding is part of round 16 of the fiscal 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awards. The federal program distributes funds to local fire departments to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs.