Tester supports Montana-firefighter relief
The Western News | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 1 month AGO
Starting next week, Montana fire departments
will be able to apply for new resources to hire or retain employees
without burdensome federal regulations, Senator Jon Tester
announced today.
In September, Tester championed a
provision making it easier for small fire departments to apply for
the grants, which allow them to hire firefighters or keep them on
the job.
Thanks to Tester’s provision, the Federal
Emergency Management Administration will accept grant applications
from Monday, Jan. 30 until Feb. 24.
Without Tester’s efforts, many of
Montana’s fire departments would not be able to apply for these
critical, job- and life-saving resources.
That’s because previous restrictions forced
departments to make dramatic cuts or limit personnel decisions in
order to receive funding, exacerbating budget
difficulties.
Great Falls had to turn back a grant awarded
under the old rules in 2008 because it could not afford a
cost-sharing requirement.
With the new rules, the city intends to apply
for funding for eight new firefighters.
“We have to let Montana fire
departments do their jobs without tying their hands,” Tester
said.
“Montana’s firefighters need to have the tools
to keep our communities safe without too much red
tape. Removing these restrictions will give
departments more flexibility, and I’m proud we got this done for
Montana’s first responders.”
Many small communities across
Montana still struggle to provide emergency services without
raising taxes or laying off firefighters. The
increased flexibility provided by Tester’s measure will help local
communities who receive these grants avoid difficult decisions.
“The Montana State Firemen’s
Association appreciates Senator Tester’s dedication and
determination toward fixing this frustrating issue,” said Doug
Neil, the association’s Political Director.
“Jon’s measure allows fire departments and
cities across Montana to hire the firefighters they need to be
prepared for and respond to our state’s emergency needs.”
Montana Fire Departments seeking to apply for
the grants, known as the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) program, should
www.fema.gov/firegrants/index.shtm.
Tester’s office will help fire
departments with their applications. Fire chiefs are
welcome to call Tester’s Missoula office at (406) 728-303 or toll
free at 866-554-4403.
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