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Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced April 15, that the application period for awards under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fiscal Year 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program opened at 8 a.m. EDT on April 15, and will close at 5 p.m. EDT on May 20.  The application will be available at https://portal.fema.gov.  For additional information please visit www.firegrantsupport.com

“Over the last eight years, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program has directed more than $55 million dollars to Maryland fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations to help them meet vital equipment and personnel needs,” said Congressman Hoyer.  “Now that this season’s application window is open, I encourage the State’s fire departments and emergency organizations to apply.”

Grant funds made available through the AFG Program are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations across the nation to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of public and emergency response personnel. Since 2001, AFG has provided more than $55 million in assistance to first-responder organizations in Maryland for the purchase of personnel protective gear and response equipment and vehicles.

As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Rep. Hoyer took a lead role in helping establish the AFG Program and has been an annual leader in fighting against attempts to cut funding for the program in the federal budget.  During the 110th Congress, he helped secure $1.25 billion for the program ($560m/FY08 and $565m/FY09).  The program also received an additional $210 million as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for modification and construction of firehouses.

Congressman Hoyer also helped establish the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters Program to help fire departments hire new firefighters, recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, and provide relief to stations currently operating short of staff.  During the 110th Congress, Rep. Hoyer helped secure $410 million for the program ($190 m/FY08 and $220m/FY09).

“It is critical that first responders are provided all available resources to enhance their ability to protect our communities from harm. I will continue to fully support these programs in order to meet the needs of our nation’s firefighters” said Congressman Hoyer.