Idaho Fire Districts To Receive Fire Funds

Washington, DC â??Two more fire departments in Idaho will receive grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. The Mica Kidd Island Fire Protection District of Coeur dâ??Alene will receive $55,598 in federal matching funds, and the Teton County Fire Protection District will receive $61,040. â??The additional fiscal tools provided by these grants are invaluable to our fire districts, and I am pleased to learn that Idaho programs have benefited,â?? said Crapo. â??These ongoing awards enable departments nationwide to increase the effectiveness of firefighting efforts, as well as augment EMS and fire prevention programs. I look forward to learning of more Idaho communities that are successful in receiving additional funds.â?? Both districts applied and received grants under the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program area of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. There are three other program areas supported in addition to the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, including the Fire Prevention Program, the Emergency Medical Services Program, and the Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program. Applicants were required to demonstrate financial need, and outline the benefits that would be gained if given the money. Grantees who serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a cost-share of 10 percent, and grantees serving jurisdictions of more then 50,000 must provide a 30 percent cost-share. Over $63 million dollars has been awarded to approximately 1,000 fire departments across the nation over the past seven weeks. # # #