WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) announced the open period to apply for federal funding under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP). The application period will begin on Tues., Oct. 11 and will run through Thurs., Nov. 17, 2016 with awards being announced in Spring 2017.
“Day in and day out, the men and women of our fire and rescue units are the first responders to emergency events in our communities. In addition to our deep gratitude, they deserve our support and available federal resources to assist them in their efforts to keep us safe,” said LoBiondo, a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus. “To help ease the financial strains of having to do more with less, I strongly encourage the fire and rescue departments of South Jersey to take advantage of this critical funding source.”
AFGP competitive funding is used by the nation’s fire and rescue departments to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations and to improve personnel health and safety programs. The Fiscal Year 2016 program will distribute $310 million to first responder organizations across the country and anticipates awarding 2,500 grants.
In Aug., LoBiondo partnered with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker to host two fire grant workshops for 2nd Congressional District fire and rescue departments. LoBiondo has hosted the annual seminar for more than a decade.
Since the program began in 2001, more than 120 of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District fire and emergency organizations have received $25.6 million under AFGP. Grant guidance will be available at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.
