TOMS RIVER, N.J. -  Congressman Jim Saxton (NJ-3rd) announced today that federal grants in the amount of $160,559 have been awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to local fire companies in Ocean County.

The Homeland Security Office for Emergency Preparedness and Response has awarded grants to 216 fire departments throughout the U.S. in the 30th round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. With this round, 8,100 fire departments have received over $651 million to support their roles as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters. FEMA received 20,000 applications for 2003 funds.

Bayville Volunteer Fire Company in Berkeley Township will receive $121,950, which will be used to purchase air tanks, spare cylinders and related breathing apparatus.

“The firefighters of Bayville are all volunteers, and they need these air packs to safely serve their community,” Saxton said.  “Like other small volunteer fire companies, Bayville needs this kind of financial help because buying expensive equipment is too difficult.”

Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company received a $38,609 grant. The funds are also expected to be used for breathing equipment.

“This funding will be used to update the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company’s self-contained breathing apparatus and help enhance training,” Saxton said. “Pine Beach is an all-volunteer outfit that relies solely on donations and fund-raising. I hope this grant will help them help their community. Since they often respond to incidents on busy roadways like Route 9 and the Parkway, they have an important role in providing emergency service to the area.”

Under the terms of the grant the companies must pay for 10 percent of the cost of the following projects, with the FEMA grant covering the remainder. FEMA and the United States Fire Administration (USFA), select fire departments across the country to receive the grants. In 2003, the USFA and FEMA were incorporated with many other agencies into the Department of Homeland Security. Congress enacted the grant program so that FEMA could improve basic fire service delivery across the United States to support fire protection, EMS delivery, vehicle purchase, and prevention programs.

Saxton helped create the grant program several years ago. He points out that while Congress doubled the funding in 2003, there are more applications than ever. About only one-in-three grant applicants receive funding, he said. Funds from 2003 are nearly all awarded, Saxton said. He promised to seek more funds in the new budget.

Fire departments having questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via email at usfagrants@fema.gov. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, and any of the many other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.text here}