SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $217,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TWO CENTRAL NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Equipment For Firefighters

 U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $217,387 in federal funding for two Central New York fire departments. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Cortlandville Fire District will receive $166,667 in federal funds to purchase a 2000-gal tanker with a 500gpm pump. The Minoa Fire Department will receive $50,720 in federal funds to purchase a new vehicle exhaust extraction system.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

“These funds will allow our first responders to access the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders and ensure they have the tools they need to keep themselves and our communities safe, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”    

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need.  More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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