WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today announced federal grant awards for departments in Collinsville and Walnut Grove. The funds are part of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program which Congress funds with $750 million to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The program’s purpose is providing fire departments the needed resources to enhance the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel.

"Fires kill more than 4,200 Americans and injure 24,913 more every year. On top of that, about 100 firefighters are killed every year in duty-related incidents," said Congressman Aderholt. "This program helps our fire departments provide the best service possible to everyone. It also lets our departments provide the best conditions for firefighter safety. I’m proud that these departments have received awards. I hope to see many additional fire departments across the district receive grants of this nature as well."

Approximately 19,950 applications, totaling $2.5 billion, applied for this year’s program. In Alabama alone, there were 586 applications totaling $63 million. The program releases funds in four categories: fire operations and firefighter safety, the fire prevention programs, the emergency medical services program and the firefighting vehicle acquisition program. Departments funded in today’s announcement include the following:

Black Creek Fire Department in Collinsville will receive $150,713 for firefighting vehicle upgrades;

Walnut Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Walnut Grove will receive $68,097 for fire operations and firefighter safety projects.

Grants will be awarded throughout the 2003 fiscal year. "I believe it is important that Congress again recognizes the need for this funding and that the program continues. We all depend on these volunteers and are appreciative of the time and services they provide to our communities " added Aderholt.

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