Virginia Receives $545,000 in Homeland Security Grants to Assist Local Fire Departments

Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner yesterday announced Virginia has received a 20th round of grants from the 2003 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. The announcement included awards for eight Virginia communities: Blue Ridge, Keeling, Manassas Park, Middlebrook, Newbern, Salem, Vinton, and Woodstock.

"Getting dollars to the front line in emergency preparedness remains a critical challenge for government," said Warner. "I am pleased to see these fire departments receive federal resources toward that end."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. A list of all current award recipients is posted on the USFA Web site. Future grant recipients will be listed as the awards are announced.