"Our economy is hurting now, and the best thing we can do to fix it is to figure out what went wrong.  I think it is important that we spent this time between sessions listening and learning how best to attack the problem when we meet again in January in the 108th Congress.

"Right now the unemployment rate is six percent – the highest level in nine years.  We need a plan and we need it now. 

"I think the best plan would include both short and long-term measures designed first to stimulate the economy and then to promote long-term growth, stability and opportunity. 

"Most importantly, it would be targeted to those Americans who need it most – working families and small businesses.  We must work hard to protect those Americans who are most vulnerable in an economic downturn and give businesses the tools they need to create good-paying, stable jobs and economic opportunities for all people."

“Our rural volunteer firefighters perform a vital service to residents throughout Arkansas,” Ross said.  “They confront new and changing life safety challenges every day.  These grants will help the Dumas department provide training, personal protective equipment, and firefighting equipment for its workers so that they can continue to help keep Desha County safe and come to the aid of neighbors and residents in times of disaster.” 

Under the grant, FEMA has agreed to pay 90 percent of the total project costs submitted by each department in the grant application.  The Dumas Fire Department will receive $83,961.  This grant is one of 445 to be awarded in the 10th round of grant awards for 2002.

Earlier this year a panel of more than 300 fire service personnel evaluated approximately 19,500 applications from across the United States. FEMA will distribute $360 million through approximately 5,500 grants before the end of 2002.  Grant recipients are being announced in batches, and future grant recipients will be posted as awards are made.