Rep. Cole Announces Fire Grant Application Period

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole announced that beginning this week fire departments can begin to apply for Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants. Applications for these grants, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, will be accepted from March 6, 2006 until April 7, 2006.

"Firefighters in Oklahoma have been especially busy over the past few months helping to contain the wildfires that have been ravaging our state. These grants will help them purchase equipment and other resources to help them do their job and keep us safe," Congressman Tom Cole said. "I encourage all eligible departments to apply for these federal funds."

The application can be downloaded at www.firegrantsupport.com. Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. An online tutorial is available for download at www.firegrantsupport.com. This tutorial aids applicants in drafting successful presentations and provides links to other helpful information.

The AFG program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. In addition the AFG accepts applications from nonaffiliated EMS organizations seeking funding for the same activities for which fire departments are also eligible to apply.

Through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2006, Congress provided $648 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

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