Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.  All applications are submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit based review ranked by factors established by a panel of fire service professionals.  

Earlier this month Congressman Higgins hosted a Fire Grant workshop where participants were invited to learn first hand from a DHS Fire Grant Specialist how to put together a qualifying application.  Several dozen representatives from local fire and EMS agencies participated in the workshop.    

“In the last five years alone fire companies in the 27th Congressional district have been awarded federal funds totaling over $13 million dollars,” said Congressman Higgins.  “These federal dollars provide resources to help our first responders improve efficiency on emergency calls and make our communities safer.  I encourage local fire and EMS service providers to apply for these grants.”

Agencies can access a fire grant application through the AFG website at:  www.firegrantsupport.com.  In addition to the application, a program guidance, and a web-based tutorial are also available online.  Applicants with specific questions should contact the Fire Grant help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov.   Help is available between 8:00am and 8:00pm Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm.   The application deadline is 5:00pm on May 28, 2010.   

This year Congress approved $390 million for the AFG program which will provide direct assistance to local companies improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations throughout the United States.  The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

For more information on the fire grant program, please contact Congressman Higgins’ Buffalo office at 716-852-3501.