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ALBANY, NY – Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced the awarding of more than $183,000 in federal funding for two Capital Region fire departments.  In this round of funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, the North Greenbush Fire District #1 will receive $122,380.95, and the Albany Fire Department will receive $60,909.09, all toward the purchase of critical safety equipment and other operational needs.

“Our brave Capital Region firefighters spend each and every day working tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” Congressman Tonko said.  “It is critical that we provide these courageous men and women with the training, equipment, and manpower they need to continue to serve local families safely and efficiently.  I’m proud to deliver this essential funding for equipment upgrades and operational support, and I’ll always continue to fight to make certain our first responders have the resources they need to do their critical work.”

Each year, Congressman Tonko and his staff assist numerous local fire departments in preparing their applications for these critical grants.  Today’s announcement marks the eighth round of the competitive FY 2021 AFG announcements, with previous rounds delivering a total of $1,359,767.90 for fire departments in Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs.  Tonko submitted a letter successfully requesting consideration of funds for the Troy Fire Department.

The FY 2021 AFG Program will award an unprecedented $414 million in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies.  This includes an additional $100 million for the AFG Program provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

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