Cleveland will receive nearly $1 million in federal grant money to buy a new ladder fire truck.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program awarded the city a $952,380 competitive grant. The maximum funding available through this grant is $1,000,000.
Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner called the grant award “great news for the City of Cleveland.”
“Our citizens can rest easy knowing that our firefighters are equipped with the equipment needed to keep our citizens safe,” he says. “Additionally, the economic development impacts of this ladder truck will be tremendous as it enables existing business owners and developers for current and future projects to grow and thrive in our community.”
AFG’s primary goal is to meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.
Since 2001, AFG has been instrumental in equipping firefighters and other first responders with essential equipment. Grants pay for protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources.
Cleveland Fire Department Chief Ricky Pruitt thanks Cleveland residents, the mayor and council for their part in moving the grant application forward. He says the funding will have an “immediate impact” on the community.
“This funding saves the taxpayers of Cleveland almost one million dollars with the awarding of this grant. This allows tax money to be used for other projects and needs in Cleveland,” says Chief Pruitt.
Cleveland has a number of grant applications in process, according to City Administrator Kevin Harris. He thanked Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and Congressman Andrew Clyde for their ongoing support.
