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FAQ-New

What is the major difference in the 2005 program?
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for fiscal year 2005 generally mirrors previous years’ programs with two significant changes. The first significant change is the allowance of nonaffiliated EMS organizations (i.e., non-fire based EMS organizations) as eligible applicants for as much as two (2) percent of the appropriated funds. The other change is the segregation of the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) program from the AFG. We will have a separate application period devoted solely to Fire Prevention and Safety. It is our intention to have this application period in the Fall of 2005 which would be open to fire departments as in the past. Please monitor the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com) for updated information on this program. Nonaffiliated EMS organizations will not be eligible for the FP&S program.

How much money is available for 2005?
Up to $715,000,000 is available for the 2005 program.

Is funding available for construction?
Construction of facilities such as classrooms, buildings, fire stations or training centers is not eligible for funding. Modifications to an existing facility are allowable in the modifications involve only minor interior renovations necessary to fulfilling their scope of work and costing less than $10,000.00.

What is the difference between a fire station modification and a renovation?
A renovation is a minor change in an existing facility that must be tied to one of the activities listed in the program guidance, i.e., the renovation must be necessary for the successful completion of the grant project and may not exceed $10,000. For example, a renovation may include the work necessary to install a SCBA compressor that might include an upgrade in the electrical service and the construction of a partition wall, or the renovation of a spare room to create an exercise area.

A modification is a more complicated or overreaching change in the fire facility than a renovation. Modifications typically involve changes to the entire facility if not the majority of the facility. This year, we are only allowing certain modifications that are geared toward protecting the health and safety of firefighters. The specific modifications that are eligible in this year's program are the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system; a fire alarm and detection system; and a vehicle exhaust removal system. Modifications to facilities are limited to $100,000 per station.