By By Lydia Grimes-features reporter
The Appleton Volunteer Fire Department will be able to buy a new truck and pay for needed operations and safety improvements thanks to two new grants that have been a long time in planning for the department.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $5,187,225 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants to local fire departments and emergency medical services across Alabama.
Appleton received grants of $176,700 for a new vehicle and $45,049 for operations and safety.
Tyler said local donations will help make up the rest of the funds needed.
Appleton has long relied on grants to help supplement its fund needs.
In 2007 Appleton received a grant of $29,000 which was used for forestry gear and training items.
These particular grants come in either for operations and safety or vehicle acquisition, and Appleton will receive both in this latest grant release.
FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May made the announcement of the funds going to the departments. In addition to Appleton Voluntary Fire Department, Nokomis Voluntary Fire Department is the only other department in Escambia County to receive a grant in this program.
Nationally, this week's grants total nearly $49 million. The AFG program includes three kinds of awards: Fire Grants, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants and Fire Prevention and Safety grants.
Fire grants include funding firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical services organizations, and supporting regional projects involving multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction.
The fiscal year 2008 AFG awards, which are being distributed in phases, will ultimately provide about $500 million to fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.