Rep. Neguse Announces Over $1.4 Million for Fire Departments Serving Boulder County

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced over $1.4 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for the Lefthand Fire Protection District and the Lyons Fire Protection District. AFGs are awarded by FEMA to help meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. 

The Lefthand Fire Protection District is set to receive $822,137 and the Lyons Fire Protection District will receive $578,257, both for the improvement of their operations and safety. 

“Wildfires in Colorado’s Second District and across the West continue to threaten the safety of our families and our communities. Now more than ever, the first responders who so valiantly work to protect our homes and o communities from the threat of these flames need our support.” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program that we’ve worked to expand will now enable our fire protection districts to bolster their fire prevention infrastructure.” 

Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. These grants can be awarded to fire departments, state fire training academies, and emergency medical service organizations. 

Learn more about the program, including information on other recipients, HERE. 

Background

Representative Neguse, the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has emerged as a leader amongst his colleagues in the fight for increased federal support for communities recovering from fires. Most recently, the Colorado Congressman secured the passage of his Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, H.R. 5118, through the House.H.R. 5118 is a monumental legislative package that would significantly increase investments to tackle wildfires, boost wildland firefighter pay, and fund resiliency and mitigation projects for communities impacted by recent climate-induced disasters. 

Following Colorado’s record-setting wildfire seasons in 2020 and 2021, Rep. Neguse has worked tirelessly to bring federal resources home to recovering communities and advocate for increased support for wildland firefighters, wildfire prevention, and forest management. He serves as Chair of the U.S. Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, where his Restoring Our Lands and Communities Agenda prioritizes addressing the causes and impacts of wildfires. 

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