Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
DEC Accepting Applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced the agency is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants, which provide funding to rural fire departments to enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities. "Fire departments in rural areas are the backbone of fire protection for thousands of New Yorkers," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Rural fire departments work with Forest Rangers to fight wildfires that threaten our natural resources, and these grants will help them prepare for the unique demands of wildfire fighting."
The grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC. Last year, the program allocated $301,000, providing $1,000 grants to each of 301 fire departments. A comparable level of federal funding is expected for 2005.
Covered Expenses
Rural fire departments can obtain
necessary equipment and gear
Only expenses directly related to fire suppression are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, lightweight fireproof clothing (Nomex), hardhats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements were changed in 2002. Fire departments in towns with populations of 10,000 or more now may be eligible if they meet the other requirements listed on the application. Fire departments must provide half the cost of the project being funded. All funded projects should be completed by September 30, 2005.
Priority Applicants
Priority will be given to applications from fire departments in towns where there is a high Insurance Services Office rating and that serve inadequately protected rural communities. Preference also will be given to fire departments that have not received funding in the past five years under the Volunteer Fire Assistance/Rural Community Fire Protection Program.
Applications and Information
For applications or further information about the grant program, please call DEC at 518-402-8839; write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management, 625 Broadway 8th Floor, Albany, New York, 12233-2560, or visit DEC's Web Site. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2005.
