Debate over federal funding threatens local fire departments
CHENANGO COUNTY – Federal funds that benefit local fire departments may be at risk if lawmakers allow certain funding programs to expire at the end of the month.
Last week, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer called on Congress to renew funding streams to the Department of Homeland security before they expire on Feb. 27. If not, DHS staffers could be furloughed, meaning thousands of grant applications for fire equipment, training, protective gear and other expenses from local fire departments could go into limbo indefinitely.
Schumer argued that any lapse in funding, particularly now during the middle of the application period, would be a blow to local fire departments looking to upgrade equipment to better protect residents and emergency personnel. The cease in funding would affect three federal programs, including the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, and the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program.
Locally, the furlough would have an impact on departments that have either applied or plan to apply for grant funds in the near future. This includes the Norwich Fire Department which applied for a $25,000 AFG grant to replace worn fire hoses late last year. The department is currently waiting to hear back on that application. NFD Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo said the department also plans to seek a SAFER grant to pay for manpower to refill retiree positions over the next couple years.
Schumer said funding to local fire departments should be “above the fray” when it comes to political tug of war in Washington.
“Helping firefighters and first responder across New York State is something that is always at the front of my mind,” Schumer said. “So I will be working double-time with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make sure federal fire grant programs do not get caught up in the muck or become collateral damage in the political wrangling over DHS funding.”
Congress is currently debating a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the principle federal agency charged with keeping Americans safe from terrorism and prepared for natural disasters.
In the Southern Tier, 73 fire departments have applied for federal firefighter funds this year. Between 2013 and 2014, 47 departments were awarded federal funds totaling more than $5.3 million.
DHS received 12 applications from Chenango County in 2014, but only one AFG grant was awarded to the Sherburne Fire Department in the amount of $99,484 to replace its breathing equipment.
Last week, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer called on Congress to renew funding streams to the Department of Homeland security before they expire on Feb. 27. If not, DHS staffers could be furloughed, meaning thousands of grant applications for fire equipment, training, protective gear and other expenses from local fire departments could go into limbo indefinitely.
Schumer argued that any lapse in funding, particularly now during the middle of the application period, would be a blow to local fire departments looking to upgrade equipment to better protect residents and emergency personnel. The cease in funding would affect three federal programs, including the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, and the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program.
Locally, the furlough would have an impact on departments that have either applied or plan to apply for grant funds in the near future. This includes the Norwich Fire Department which applied for a $25,000 AFG grant to replace worn fire hoses late last year. The department is currently waiting to hear back on that application. NFD Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo said the department also plans to seek a SAFER grant to pay for manpower to refill retiree positions over the next couple years.
Schumer said funding to local fire departments should be “above the fray” when it comes to political tug of war in Washington.
“Helping firefighters and first responder across New York State is something that is always at the front of my mind,” Schumer said. “So I will be working double-time with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make sure federal fire grant programs do not get caught up in the muck or become collateral damage in the political wrangling over DHS funding.”
Congress is currently debating a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the principle federal agency charged with keeping Americans safe from terrorism and prepared for natural disasters.
In the Southern Tier, 73 fire departments have applied for federal firefighter funds this year. Between 2013 and 2014, 47 departments were awarded federal funds totaling more than $5.3 million.
DHS received 12 applications from Chenango County in 2014, but only one AFG grant was awarded to the Sherburne Fire Department in the amount of $99,484 to replace its breathing equipment.
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