Congresswoman Nita Lowey announced today that the White Plains Fire Bureau will receive a $1.9 million federal grant which can be used to re-hire firefighers who were laid off at the Bureau.

White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong called it "Tremendous news for the City of White Plains and its outstanding Fire Bureau."

Due to budget cuts in the fiscally-strapped city, nine firefighters were recently let go. Lowey says the money will be used to restore their positions.

Said Lowey, "I am thrilled that the White Plains Fire Bureau will benefit from this federal grant, which will help ensure that we have the personnel necessary to keep our community safe. At a time of high unemployment, I am particularly pleased this federal investment will create jobs in our community."

The funding is part of the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program (SAFER), a funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness.