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Contact: Elaine Jennings
916-324-9661 or 916-437-9501
Jay Alan
916-825-6544

Governor's Office of Homeland Security Encourages Eligible Partners to Apply for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

SACRAMENTO - Today, Office of Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen encouraged local fire departments and emergency services providers to apply for federal grants under the 2007 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. Announced this week, the purpose of the FP&S program is to award grants for projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.

"This grant program is one of the many ways the Administration works with locals to leverage federal resources to enhance California's fire suppression capabilities," said Bettenhausen. In previous years, the OHS and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) have partnered with FEMA to deliver regional workshops.

The FP&S grants are separated into two "activities" 1) Fire Prevention and Safety; and 2) Firefighter Safety Research and Development. Applicants must submit only one application during the application period and may include either one or both activities. Those eligible can apply for funding for up to three projects under each activity.

"The Office of Homeland Security and the Office of Emergency Services will provide grant writing and technical assistance to fire departments and other eligible applicants seeking funds through this program," added Bettenhausen.

The FP&S Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grants Program Directorate. This is done in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). A similar FEMA grant program has allowed local, California fire agencies to acquire 137 fire fighting vehicles since 2001.

All interested are encouraged to visit the automated FY 2007 FP&S applications accessible from the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com), the USFA website (www.usfa.fema.gov), and the grants.gov website (www.grants.gov). These sites also include information on the eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines. A Help Desk is available at 1-866-274-0960 during normal business hours. Applications for these grants must be received by November 30, 2007, at 5:00p.m. Eastern Time.

For further information regarding the Governor's Office of Homeland Security please visit our website at www.homeland.gov.