Expiring national programs used to fund fire departments are being rescued by bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (Michigan). His bill to extend these federal programs has advanced in the Senate.
The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA), according to a news release.
The programs are set to expire and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.
In 2021, Michigan fire departments received more than $10.8 million from the AFG program and more than $8 million from the SAFER grant program. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
“Fire stations rely on federal grant programs for the resources and tools they need to protect Michiganders and people across the nation,” said Senator Peters. “Congress must pass this bipartisan legislation to extend these programs that ensure brave and courageous firefighters can safely protect communities from fires and others emergencies.”
Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also utilize the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters.
The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFA until 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA – a nearly $20 million increase from current levels, and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.
