Local volunteer and combination fire departments are being encouraged to apply for a second round of federal fire grants included in the CARES Act, approved in March.
Rep. Brian Higgins said the CARES Act included $100 million in COVID-19 supplemental funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, meant to cover the costs of personal protective equipment and other specialized needs for firefighters and other first responders during the pandemic.
Higgins said $31 million remains in the fund and the Federal Emergecy Management Agency has opened an application window from now through Nov. 13. All volunteer and combination fire companies can apply, even if they did not get funding during the first round of awards.
