Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Wednesday, June 25, 2003

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Homeland Security will send Missouri fire departments almost $200,000 in federal dollars as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

"Already this year Missouri fire departments have received around $1 million in federal dollars and this is only the beginning," said Bond, who fought for increased funding for fire departments and other first responders. "These funds will help the men and women who put their lives on the line have the equipment necessary to protect the citizens they so admirably serve. It became even more clear after 9-11 that our first responders must have the resources they need to do their jobs safely."

The following local fire departments if Missouri will receive a total of $198,578:

Mooresville Township Fire Protection District Fire Operations/Firefighter Safety $26,603 Mooresville

Glasgow Fire Protection District Fire Operations/Firefighter Safety $38,385 Glasgow

Bunceton City & Rural Fire Department Fire Operations/Firefighter Safety $28,402 Bunceton

Cedarcreek Volunteer Fire Department Fire Operations/Firefighter Safety $39,308 Cedarcreek

Black River Fire Protection Volunteers, Inc. Firefighting Vehicle $60,750 Williamsville

Rutledge Fire Deptment Fire Operations/Firefighter Safety $5,130 Rutledge

In 2002 Bond met with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Task Force One, and local fire departments across the state of Missouri to discuss their funding needs. Bond assured emergency responders that through his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee he would boost their federal funding.

In the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill Bond followed through on his promise. As chairman of the VA-HUD Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Bond was able to secure $750 million for the Assistance to Fire Grant program, more than double the $360 million in fiscal year 2002, and only $100 million in fiscal year 2001. Last year 174 Missouri fire departments received over $10 million in Fire Grant program dollars. This is the third round of fire grants for Missouri this year, sending local fire departments a total of around $1 million and Bond expects more to follow.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly to fire departments. Federal money can be used for local needs in the following areas: fire operations and firefighter safety, fire prevention, emergency medical services and firefighting vehicles.

Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to Missourians in the United States Senate.