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Home My WebLink About20171260.tiffU.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20472 April 20, 2017 Commissioner Julie A. Cozad Weld County Board of Commissioners 1150 O Street, Post Office Box 758 Greeley, Colorado 80632 Dear Commissioner Cozad: FEMA RECEIVED MAY 0 3 2017 WELD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Thank you for your letter dated March 1, 2017 regarding Front Range Fire Rescue application (EMW-2016-FH-00214) for financial assistance under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. The application period for the FY 2016 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program concluded on February 10, 2017. Decisions on all applications received will begin following panel reviews and will be made on a rolling basis until all available funds have been obligated. Once decisions are reached, each applicant will be directly notified of the outcome. For more information on the FY 2016 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, please visit www.fema.gov/firegrants. In FY 2016, Congress appropriated a total of $345 million to carry out the activities of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program. Funds for the program are awarded on a competitive basis and made directly to local fire departments and other eligible organizations. The criteria used to make an award determination are threefold: 1) whether the request meets the program's published priorities; 2) whether the applicant exhibits clear financial need; and 3) whether the application demonstrates tangible benefits from the use of requested funds. I appreciate your interest in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and look forward to working with you on future homeland security issues. If you have any further questions or concerns, please have a member of your staff contact FEMA Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646- 3444. Regards, Bridget Bean Deputy Assistant Administrator for Grant Programs emoo; COQ --}ions 5Ig'1 l ^1 5/3/ i1 cc oa.mc RR) acz Cc3,c� www.lenia.gov 2017-1260 OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PHONE: 970-336-7204 FAX: 970-336-7233 1150 O STREET P.O. BOX 758 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 March 1, 2017 Brian E. Kamoie Assistant Administrator, Grant Programs Directorate Federal Emergency Management Agency 800 K. Street NW, 9th Floor North Tower Washington, DC 20001 Fax 202-786-9938 Re: EMW-2016-FH-00214 Dear Mr. ICamoie, We are pleased to write in support of the Front Range Fire Rescue Authority (FRFRA) application for funding through FEMA's "Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response" (SAFER) grant program (Application #EMW-2016-FH- 00214). Such funding will enable the FRFRA to hire an additional firefighter to improve staffing levels and ensure compliance with NFPA 1720. Based in the heart of Weld County, the FRFRA is responsible for protecting more than a 70 -square mile area that includes state highways, rivers, and approximately 21,000 citizens. With a combination of full-time, part-time reserve, and volunteer firefighters, the Authority serves the various schools, private and governmental facilities. The Authority also regularly provides automatic and mutual aid to several other neighboring departments. Gas and oil assessed values - an economic a driver in Weld County, have dropped nearly 40% in the past two years — from $160 million to $99 million. There are no additional funds for hiring, and the Authority's overall budget may be dramatically reduced. Furthermore, volunteer and reserve members cannot consistently maintain NFPA 1720 levels of staffing. This is especially evident during the 8-5 workday, when most reserve and volunteers work in their paid professions. With SAFER funding, the FRFRA will hire a full-time firefighter who will also serve as the training officer and volunteer recruitment and retention coordinator. The additional staffing will increase safety levels for both the Authority's firefighters and the community at large during business hours. Funding will allow the Authority to be more, if not in complete compliance, with NFPA standards on each shift and ensure a more robust immediate response. With an expanded staff, the Front Range Fire Rescue Authority will greatly enhance their operational capabilities and improve compliance with NFPA 1720. As such, this project is consistent with the highest priorities of the SAFER program. We applaud the Front Range Fire Rescue Authority for its foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval. Thank you for your consideration, please notify our office of any funds awarded. Sincerely, BOARD OF CO TY CO ISSIONERS Steve Moreno, Pro Tem Julie A. Cozad, Ch Mike Freeman c: Don Warden Sear) P. Conway Barbara Kirkmeyer Hello