Schumer: $180,000 Coming to Edwards Fire District to Purchase New Fire Truck

SCHUMER: $180,000 COMING TO EDWARDS FIRE DISTRICT TO PURCHASE NEW FIRE TRUCK

Schumer announces that 53 fire departments across New York State will receive over $3 million as part of FEMA's FIRE GRANT program

Schumer says federal grant will help the Edwards Fire District buy a new firefighting vehicle

In March, Schumer fought to restore $400 million to the FIRE grants program which would be cut under the Administration's FY05 budget

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced $180,000 in federal funds for the Edwards Fire District to pay for a new firefighting vehicle. The funds are being awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"This is a great day for the Edwards Fire District," said Schumer. "In the brave new post-9/11 world, our first responders must be well trained and well equipped to deal with any problem that comes their way. This is really difficult when budget cuts are leaving them short on cash. These federal grants will help make sure that firefighters have the money they need to do their jobs."

"If ever our local fire departments needed an infusion of cash from the federal government, that time is now," Schumer said. "Budget gaps are worse than they've been in a long time with little relief in sight, and the strain on local fire departments is becoming too much to bear. Add to that the heightened alert our first responders are on because of the war, and this opportunity for fire departments to get financial support is just what the doctor ordered."