10.12.16

Hoeven: Fire Departments Can Apply for FEMA Firefighter Assistance Grants

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Homeland Security, today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funding opportunity. Fire departments, first responders, city and county governments and other eligible entities can apply for the funding.

“These funds will support first responder programs that will help keep our communities safe by ensuring we have the personnel and resources needed to respond effectively to emergencies,” Hoeven said. “We don’t have time to prepare when disaster strikes. These funds can help communities prepare now to ensure they have the tools in place that will help save lives. I encourage interested parties to apply for this funding opportunity.”

The AFG program helps increase public safety by providing resources for fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations and State Fire Training Academies. Funding is used to provide training for emergency personnel, ensure access to critically needed resources and equipment and to support community responses to emergencies.

The application period for AFG funds is open now until it closes on November 18th at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applicant tools and the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are available here and here. A helpful application guide is available here.

As chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Homeland Security, Hoeven helps oversee funding for FEMA and other agencies at DHS. In April, Hoeven announced available funding for firefighters through the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program, which is part of the AFG program.

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