Title
Assistance to Firefighters Grant (B)
Explanation
Various national fire organizations have been successful in securing federal funding for fire departments as one-year grants totaling $100 million nationally. These grants have been divided into a series of categories including apparatus, equipment, fire prevention, wellness initiatives, protective clothing, and others. There are restrictive rules that make it difficult to qualify, including the requirement that communities with a population greater than 50,000 must provide a 30% cash match. Another restriction is a limitation to two applications per department. Grant applications were announced April 2, 2001, and are due at the U.S. Fire Administration by May 2, 2001.
Based on the grant criteria two projects have been selected that are most likely to obtain funds. They are:
1. Replacement of all self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with newer technology which includes higher capacity, lighter weight, reduced operating effort and incorporates an electronic personnel fire ground accountability system. The cost of replacing all SCBA (81), replacing compressor stations with higher-pressure systems, and the electronic accountability system is up to $327,000. The local match required for this system, if awarded, is up to $98,000.
2. Instituting the High Hazard Inspections Program previously recommended by the City's Airborne Releases Ad Hoc Committee and City Commission Public Works Committee. This program, to qualify, must become self-sustaining following the grant program. As originally proposed, this program would become self-sustaining through funds derived from permitting fees from all hazardous materials sites inspected. (Approximately 700 of them would require permits, with 400 inspected annually). Initiating the program would require enacting an ordinance establishing the fees and collecting them, coincident with accepting a grant. The first year start-up cost for the prog...
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