McIlhinney: Senate Extends Fire, EMS Grant Program

HARRISBURG – The Senate voted today to extend the $25 million grant program to fund grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments, according to Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery Counties).

Since 2000, the General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the PA Emergency Management Agency to provide grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments. The original version of Senate Bill 10 would have reauthorized the program for one year, but the Senate amended the bill on Monday to reauthorize it for five years.

McIlhinney said that reauthorizing the program for five years would provide a valuable safety net for Pennsylvania's dedicated emergency responders.

"We are grateful for the services our volunteer emergency responders perform in our communities, and this funding will make it easier for these local heroes to get the equipment and training they need," McIlhinney said. "By authorizing the program for five years, we will ensure that there is no lapse in funding for our fire and EMS departments for the foreseeable future."

Grant funding can be used for construction and/or renovation of the fire company's or ambulance service's facility, or to purchase or repair fixtures and furnishings necessary to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide fire, ambulance and rescue, emergency medical, or basic and advanced life support services. Funding can also can be used for the repair or purchase of firefighting, ambulance or rescue services, debt reduction, and training and certification of members.

Senate Bill 10 will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT:

Heather Cevasco
(717)787-7305