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DEC accepting applications for volunteer fire assistance grants

by jmaloni

Press release

Mon, Jul 15th 2013 03:55 pm

Funds to assist rural fire departments

Applications are now being accepted for federally funded volunteer fire assistance grants, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The grants help rural fire departments enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities.

The deadline for application is July 25.

"Fire departments in rural areas work diligently in their fire protection efforts, serving thousands of New Yorkers," Martens said. "Rural fire departments pool resources with state forest rangers to fight wildfires that threaten local communities and natural resources. This grant program helps these communities prepare for the challenge of fighting wildfires."

The volunteer fire assistance grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC. If awarded, fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to the amount of $1,000. Last year, the program allocated $380,000, which provided an average of $1,000 grants to 386 fire departments. It is anticipated $360,000 will be allocated for 2013.

Only expenses directly related to fire suppression efforts are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, lightweight fireproof clothing (Nomex), hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.

Eligible fire companies include those that serve a single town with a population under 10,000; those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents; and fire companies in towns with a population of 10,000 or more that meet the requirements listed on the application. All funded projects should be completed by Oct. 31, 2013.

For applications or further information about the grant program, contact DEC at 518-402-8839; write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 3rd Floor, Albany, NY, 12233-2560; or visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2364.html.

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