Maurice Hinchey News
22nd Congressional District, NY

Apalachin Fire Department 
Awarded FEMA Grant   

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) announced on October 29 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a $10,800 grant to the Apalachin Fire Department under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The grant was among 453 awarded nationwide in the twentieth round of grants for fiscal year 2003.

 "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program continues to pay off for fire companies in the 22nd Congressional District," said Hinchey. "We've put a lot of time and effort into funding the grant program and then making sure our companies are able to put together the best possible application. The grant announced today will help Apalachin firefighters to better meet the challenges they face and to maximize their safety."

 The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was created by the 106th Congress. A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Hinchey has strongly supported providing full funding for the program. He has also sponsored a number of workshops across the 22nd Congressional District to help fire departments with the grant application process.

 Fire companies had the opportunity to apply for assistance in any of four categories: fire operations and firefighter safety, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and firefighting vehicles. Apalachin applied under the fire operations and firefighter safety category. The FEMA grants represent 90 percent of the full cost of the company's proposal.

 After twenty rounds of Assistance to Firefighters Grants for fiscal year 2003, fire companies in New York's 22nd Congressional District have been awarded $1,290,803.