Department of Homeland Security and United States Fire Administration Announce the Opening of the 2003 Grant Applications Period

Release Date: 03/10/03 00:00:00

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
March 10, 2003
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON D.C. - Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, and United States Fire Administrator R. David Paulison announce today, the opening of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application period. All fire departments, throughout the United States, are invited to apply.

The grant application period will begin on March 10, 2003, and end at 5:00 pm on April 11, 2003.

"We must work together to identify and implement the steps necessary to support and enhance firefighting operations, and at the same time, position the fire service to move quickly to develop and acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment to respond to all emergencies, large and small," said Secretary Tom Ridge. Having effective firefighters in every community is critical to America's homeland security.

Congress appropriated $750 million for the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, and President Bush recently signed the program into law, creating the largest single funding effort in the history of this nation's fire service.

"A week ago, I asked the American fire service to remain patient as, as the original opening was delayed a week. On behalf of the American fire service, I would like to than DHS Secretary Ridge and Under Secretary Mike Brown for their efforts in support of the nation's firefighters." R. David Paulison, USFA Administrator said.

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. All current 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program information announced to date is posted on the USFA web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants.

The USFA is a part of the Department of Homeland Security.

This page was last modified on 03/10/03 00:00:00