WASHINGTON — After almost a full month delay, the Department of Homeland Security is ready to accept applications for the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This year, the program will provide more than $490 million in assistance to fire departments around the country, according to a release by the Department. This year’s grant money brings the programs total amount of funding for U.S. fire departments to roughly $2.2 billion.

Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said the extra funding firefighters receive through the program supplements the ability of departments to be ready for 21st century risks, such as high-rise building incidents and chemical and biological hazards.

"Local fire departments respond to a wide array of emergencies every day that require special skills, the safest equipment and place responders at great risk of injury and death," Jackson said.

Departments compete to receive grants that fulfill two different capacities: Operations and Safety and Vehicle Acquisition. Also, the DHS is encouraging departments to enter grant applications for programs that emphasize inter-agency and regional response capabilities.

The application period for the 2007 Assistance to Firefighter Grants program ends May 4. Applications are available online at three locations: www.firegrantsupport.com, www.usfa.fema.gov and www.grants.gov.