Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced applications for federal fire grants are now available online.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program between August 15 and September 9, 2011.   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. 

“Over the last 6 years fire companies in the 27th District have received nearly $14.7 million,” said Higgins, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.  “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:  http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/.  In addition to the application, a program guidance, and narrative assistance guide 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.  The application deadline is 5:00pm on September 9, 2011.  

In June Congressman Higgins hosted two Fire Grant workshops where participants were invited to learn first-hand from a DHS Fire Grant Specialist how to put together a qualifying application.  Dozens of representatives from local fire agencies and other organizations participated in the workshop.   

This year Congress approved over $404 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.