08.07.03

Cantwell Announces $230,000 to Assist Washington State Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that Washington state firefighters will receive $230,000 as part of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Program. These funds will be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs.

"It is critical that we provide relief to the courageous firefighters of Washington state," said Cantwell. "Fire season is upon us and there are many fires burning out of control across the state. These funds will help provide the men and women fighting fire with some of the aid they need to keep our communities safe and out of harm's way."

Nearly 2,000 fire departments across the country have received more than $125 million dollars to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters. For the Fiscal year 2003, the Department of Homeland Security distributed $750 million in firefighter grants program, a significant increase from the $360 million in grants announced last year.

Washington state fire department recipients include:

Skagit County Fire District #7 $56,417 Mill A Volunteers $89,272 Yakima County Fire District #9 $67,500 Omak Volunteer Fire Department $16,046

This grant is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EP&R) of the Department of Homeland Security.