Fire Service Funding in the Stimulus Bill
With the support of Senator Collins, the stimulus bill established a new fire service grant program that could benefit many fire departments across Maine. The stimulus bill also expanded the program which would enable more ME communities to qualify for funding under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Undoubtedly, competition for funds in both of these programs will be intense and application levels will be high. It is Senator Collins’ goal to keep all of Maine’s towns and cities informed. Here is the status of these programs as of March 10, 2009:

SAFER – This well-established grant program provides funding for local fire departments to hire and retain personnel. In previous years, SAFER required local departments receiving funds to provide matching dollars. The stimulus bill, however, eliminated the matching requirement for any grants issued in Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010. Funding for SAFER in FY09 is approximately $200 million.

New Construction/Renovation of Fire Stations – This new program will provide funds for modifying, updating, and constructing non-federal fire stations. The stimulus bill provided $210 million for this program, which will be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA is now developing grant guidance and application procedures for the SAFER and construction/renovation programs. Senator Collins is in regular contact with FEMA officials and will update you with any new information regarding these programs as soon as they are announced.

For more information, visit FEMA’s AFG support website at www.firegrantsupport.com.