July 2 – Both Montana senators voted in June to pass legislation reauthorizing funding for local fire departments and programs, a move advocates say is a step toward supporting first responders and keeping communities safe.
The Fire Grants and Safety Act, sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., passed the Senate in late June on an 88-2 vote. The bill authorizes $750 million for grant programs and authorizes $95 million for the U.S. Fire Administration to fund the National Emergency Response Information System.
The programs supported by the legislation are aimed at helping with recruitment and retention of staff and other challenges facing emergency responders.
“Montana firefighters stand with us in the most difficult and dangerous situations, and I have made it a priority to always support them in the Senate,” the Democratic senator said. Jon Tester in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud that Congress passed my bipartisan bill to provide critical funding that will help local departments improve their staffing and purchase equipment.”
Tester co-sponsored the legislation. His Republican counterpart, Senator Steve Daines, also voted in favor of the bill.
The bill reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program, two major sources of federal funding for firefighters. The focus is on equipment and personnel.
According to Tester’s office, the legislation is supported by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and the National Fire Protection Association.
“I thank Congress for passing this critical legislation,” Fire Chief John Butler, president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, said in a statement on behalf of the association. “This legislation reaffirms our nation’s commitment to firefighters and EMS personnel across the country who provide lifesaving services to their communities every day.”
Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.
