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CONGRESSMAN COSTA ANNOUNCES GRANT AVAILABILITY

June 25, 2007

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman JimCosta (CA-20) announced the availability of funds from the United StatesDepartment of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local GovernmentCoordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). Grants are available to local fire departments to recruit, hire andretain qualified volunteer and career firefighters.

"Alleligible Fire Departments should apply for these funds, which will greatlyassist them in their role as facilitators of public safety," Congressman Costasaid.

Thegrant available is for a program called "SAFER" Firefighter Hiring; the moniesreceived will assist local fire departments in hiring additionalfirefighters. These funds will also aidrecruitment and retention programs aimed at the volunteer fire service.

Inthe effort to support the hiring of firefighters a five-year grant will beawarded to fire departments to pay a portion of the salaries for newly hiredfirefighters. Departments will also beeligible to receive four-year grants that promote recruitment and retentionprograms, which help to maintain firefighting staff. Interested applicants should visit www.firegrantsupport.com or callthe Department of Homeland Security Fire Grant Help Desk at (866)274-0960.

"Thereare many mandates by which state and local governments must abide and this is agreat opportunity to receive funding assistance for such programs," Costaconcluded.

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