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Senate Approves Grants for Emergency Responders
White's Amendment Provides $25 Million for Firefighters, EMS
HARRISBURG -- The
Senate today approved House Bill 599, legislation which included an amendment
proposed by Senator Don White to provide $25 million for the Volunteer Fire
Company and the Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act for the current fiscal
year.
The grant program received
strong support from both the Senate and House last year, but the funding was not
included as part of the budget for Fiscal Year 2005-06 that was enacted last
July.
“I am very pleased this
important grant program is part of the proposed 2006-07 budget, but more
importantly we are establishing the funding for this year through House Bill 599
as amended so the Commonwealth can also offer these grants to our emergency
responders this year,” said Senator White, Chairman of the Senate Veterans
Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Grants would be used to
improve and enhance the capabilities of volunteer fire companies and ambulance
services across the Commonwealth.
“We owe a debt of gratitude
to our volunteer firefighters and EMS crews,” Senator White said. “They provide
a tremendous and invaluable service to our communities. With these grants, we
can show our support for their work. We can help them buy new equipment or
improve their stations.”
Grants to volunteer fire and
rescue companies would range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $15,000
and could be used for construction or renovation of the fire company's primary
structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment;
training; or debt reduction associated with the above.
Grants to volunteer ambulance services would
range from $2,500 to $10,000 and could be used for construction or renovation of
the ambulance company's primary structure; purchase or repair of ambulance
equipment; office equipment and support services, training; or debt reduction
associated with the above.
 
White, D.
Waugh
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