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View Full Version : FIRE Act Process Delayed

jboczek
03-03-2003, 03:54 PM
Guess FEMA didn't have all the bugs worked out yet.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/media/03-000.cfm
ChiefReason
03-03-2003, 04:12 PM
I think that it is for two reasons:
1) The bill isn't in President Bush's hands and therefore, not signed into law.
2) 44 CFR Part 152 has not been published.

I asked if there were glitches in the software this year and I was assured that, although nothing is ever certain, several test runs had been performed and it functioned properly.
I still believe that it is for the two reasons I stated.
It just gives us a little more time to get our ducks in a row.
CR
jboczek
03-03-2003, 07:16 PM
It would make sense that the President didn't sign it yet, but 44CFR152 is published. I downloaded and printed it out last week.
Steamer
03-03-2003, 07:38 PM
I just received an e-mail from "The Total Fire Group" that reported:
* T H I S J U S T I N *
THE FIRE ACT 2003 PROGRAM IS NOW ON HOLD! OFFICIAL MESSAGES INDICATE A TECHNICAL ISSUE CAUSING THE DELAY BUT OTHER SOURCES CLOSE TO WASHINGTON ARE INDICATING THAT THERE IS A STRONG PUSH TO NOW TAKE THE FIRE ACT PROGRAM AWAY FROM USFA/HOMELAND SECURITY AND TO MOVE IT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. SOURCES FURTHER INDICATE THAT THERE ALSO MAY BE A SHIFT IN FUNDING TO REDUCE THE CURRENT NUMBERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICE. I can't verify the validity of thyis claim, but it is definitely something to keep your eye on. If this program goes to DOJ, instead of USFA/HS, the fire service is gonna get hosed.
ChiefReason
03-07-2003, 06:07 PM
The FIRE Act program is back on track.
Starting Monday, March 10th, FEMA will start taking applications for the 2003 grant period. I assume that you have 30 days from March 10th. FEMA has been given until September 30, 2004 to distribute the money.
So download the FEMA Program Guidance and the 44CFR Part 152 and go to work. You can also read my article on grant writing at www.iacoj.com.
Good luck. I hope every fire department in Illinois that applies this year, gets some.
CR
pcfdcap1
03-08-2003, 09:56 PM
All you Boyzz from Illinoizz. I posted a thread on the IACOJ forum announcing $5.6 million in new funding to be made available to responders. Please go read it. Any questions please email me:
stcoesda2@mchsi.com
ChiefReason
03-09-2003, 11:37 AM
Well; I have discussed our needs with some of the others on our department and we have pretty much abandoned applying for a rescue vehicle. Until it goes up on the priority scale, the body count in this country from POV accidents will go up as well. We have decided to go for a brush truck. We believe that we can expand the capabilities of this category and stand a better chance of getting it.
We will pursue other avenues to procure a rescue vehicle. The people in this neck of the woods understands the importance of this vehicle to the volunteer fire service, whether our "peers" in Emmitsburg does or not.
CR
pcfdcap1
03-09-2003, 11:47 AM
Just maybe your request for a rescue vehicle can be worked in under the terrorism grant with some minor ajustments.
pcfdcap1
03-10-2003, 02:11 PM
Pearl City Fire has started the '03 grant!
There is an important message from Gov Ridge you should all readhttp://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/media/03-0310a.cfm This should clear the air on funding.
jboczek
03-10-2003, 05:48 PM
The Ashley Community Fire Protection District has started their application, too. Got on first try, no problems with the answers so far.
ChiefReason
03-10-2003, 07:26 PM
If you printed off your Program Guidance before March 7th, there have been a couple of changes made. They are not significant.
The final rule should be out in a few more days. FEMA has said that you don't need it to do your app, but you should read it before you submit.
Got the app printed off. Will do it long hand and then enter it into the computer. Will copy and paste narrative.
I have a good feeling already that this is THE YEAR!:rolleyes:
Hey; someone pinch me. I think I'm dreaming again.
CR
ChiefReason
03-12-2003, 02:11 PM
Well, I met with the fire department last night and they decided that they want to try for a rescue vehicle again. This will be the third year. We are hoping that, with the change in the language, we will stand a better chance this year. I think that the importance of this type of vehicle to rural departments has come to light with the peer reviewers. So, I guess we will give it one more shot.
I also think that there are more options than ever for funds for this vehicle. We will use them all, until we get the funding.
CR