John Evans Reports 06-29-12
Fire, EMS Grant Program to Continue
By Rep. John Evans (R-Erie/Crawford)
Legislation designed to extend and expand the grant program that has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fire and emergency medical services companies in Erie and Crawford counties was passed by the state House last week.
Since 2003, state grants have been available to help local volunteer fire and EMS units with their expenses, and many of our local volunteers have benefited from these grants. This funding, made possible by proceeds from the state’s slot machines, have eased many of the financial obligations of volunteer services, from helping with debt service and building renovations to paying for life-saving equipment and training.
This program is very deserving, because our local volunteers spend so much of their time raising funds to keep their operations going.
Senate Bill 866 extends the program through 2016, increases funding available from $25 million to $30 million and expands the initiative to include paid fire departments so that companies in financially struggling municipalities can continue to protect health and safety. The legislation now heads to the governor to be signed into law.
Under the legislation, first response groups will continue to be eligible for up to $15,000 for fire companies and $10,000 for EMS units. Grants may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction.
The program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
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John Evans Reports is a weekly editorial from Rep. John Evans, 5th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and published by EdinboroOnline.com in an effort to keep the citizens of the area informed on matters of importance to them. Rep. Evans can be reached for further comment or input at his Edinboro Pa office 814-734-2793, Girard, Pa office 814-774-2892, or his Linesville, PA office 814-683-5550. www.repevans.com
Photo by staff photographer Jamie Seeman, JLV Images.com
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