WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) has announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a workshop for all fire departments in southern West Virginia interested in funding opportunities available through its Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant program.

“This is a golden opportunity for our firefighters to get the inside scoop on how to make the best possible presentation to Homeland Security in applying for funding. Every agency has changing priorities and is particular about how they want their “I”s dotted and their “T”s crossed,” said Rahall. “I encourage everyone involved in grant writing to attend. The insight gained from the workshop and the new contacts made with agency representatives can prove invaluable to keeping a competitive edge on our grant applications. FEMA will begin accepting funding applications for AFG grants within the next few weeks.”

FEMA’s AFG workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the Erma Byrd Center, 300 University Drive, Beaver, WV. The workshop is free, open to all, and registration is not required.

AFG applicant workshops are intended to reach eligible applicants in order to provide information on current year program funding priorities and to discuss any changes to the grant application. Each workshop includes information on the grant program, application process, and information to assist attendees in writing a more compelling and competitive narrative for their department’s grant application. Details about FEMA AFG Workshops and Get Ready Guides are available at www.fema.gov/firegrants.