Fire department grants programs passed by Senate

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters has announced passage of grant programs in support of local fire departments.

Peters said federal grant programs were set to expire. As a result, countless fire departments would have been left in limbo financially. Peters explained the situation would have compromised fire departments’ ability to hire enough personnel or purchase updated equipment.

Peters said he has led the effort to pass bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act. It will extend grant programs to help departments maintain adequate staffing levels, conduct fire training and continue to offer education programs.

He said the Senate recently passed the legislation with bipartisan support. The legislation will continue $23 million in funding for fire departments across the state, Peters said.