Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced today that $1,344,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funds has been awarded to 25 fire departments spanning New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District. The funds, originally made available to the state of New Jersey, have now been allocated by the Murphy Administration to support New Jersey firefighters with upgraded equipment, staffing, and resources.

“I am thrilled to see Governor Murphy allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to fire departments statewide, including over a million for those in our Ninth Congressional District,” said Congressman Pascrell, longtime co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.  “I fought to include funding for our first responders in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and I am glad to see the funds put to use for our firefighters. This investment will empower 335 local and regional fire departments across New Jersey, providing them with the resources they need to protect our communities and save lives. I commend Governor Murphy and his administration for their dedication to public safety. In the Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure our first responders have the funding and support they need to keep us and themselves safe.”

“I am pleased that my Administration was able to double the allocation of ARP funds in this year’s budget from $10 million to $20 million to fire departments, which provide critical, life-saving services in our communities,” said Governor Murphy in his announcement of the statewide grants. “The continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for a second cycle means local governments don’t have to break the bank to get firefighters the gear and equipment they need. We’re putting our federal tax dollars to use here in New Jersey communities for essential services.”

Congressman Pascrell is a longtime champion of public safety funding in the Congress.  With the COVID-19 pandemic straining fire departments, Rep. Pascrell secured $200,000,000 in emergency funding for the SAFER program and $100,000,000 for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to ensure fire departments had every resource they needed to weather the storm. Through his Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, Pascrell has helped deliver millions in federal support for New Jersey firefighters each year for investments in lifesaving equipment and resources, personal protective equipment, training, and mental health support.

A full list of the grants announced today is available here, with those from the Ninth Congressional District listed below.

Cliffside Park $73,000.00

Edgewater $75,000.00

Elmwood Park $75,000.00

Fairview $30,000.00

Garfield $75,000.00

Hasbrouck Heights $52,000.00

Lodi $75,000.00

Little Ferry $63,000.00

Lyndhurst $75,000.00

Oakland $69,000.00

Ridgefield $39,000.00

Rochelle Park $67,000.00

Rutherford $50,000.00

Saddle Brook $43,000.00

Wallington $73,000.00

Kearny $29,000.00

Secaucus $75,000.00

Hawthorne $20,000.00

Moonachie $73,000

North Haledon $50,000.00

Passaic City $30,000.00

Paterson $30,000.00

Pompton Lakes $13,000.00

Prospect Park $20,000.00

Wayne $70,000.00