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For Immediate
Release
6/13/06
CONTACT:
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
White, Waugh Introduce Volunteer Fire Department Bill
Legislation
Intended to Improve Delivery of Emergency Services
HARRISBURG -- Working
to improve the delivery of volunteer fire services in the Commonwealth, state
Senators Don White, 41st District, and Mike Waugh, 28th District, recently
introduced legislation to encourage mergers and partnerships among private
departments.
"Numerous
studies have concluded that the Commonwealth's delivery of volunteer fire
services is very fragmented and inefficient," Senator White said. "Many
departments have identified difficulties in recruiting new members and raising
the finances necessary to continue operation. However there is little incentive
for local communities and their volunteer fire companies to consider such
initiatives. Our legislation will provide incentives to those organizations
that decide to merge or work together in a partnership."
Senate Bill
1236, introduced by Senators White and Waugh, would establish a grant program
funded by the successful $100 million bond issue approved in 2002 for the
purpose of improving the delivery of volunteer fire and emergency services
within the Commonwealth. The legislation has strong bi-partisan support with 21
co-sponsors in addition to Senator White, the prime sponsor, and Senator Waugh,
the primary co-sponsor.
Currently,
volunteer emergency service organizations have limited sources of grants and
loans, such as the Community Revitalization Program, the Emergency Responders
Resources and Training Program, the Volunteer Fire Grant, the 2% Loan Program,
and Relief Association distributions.
"Our proposed
legislation will outline a new program with funding made available by direct
application from emergency service organizations, provided certain criteria are
met. Grants will be available to private, non-profit volunteer fire
companies/departments or EMS organizations and local governments applying on
behalf of the fire companies," Senator Waugh said.
The maximum
grants in the legislation would include the following:
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$100,000
for each finalized merger, consolidation or regional entity created.
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$50,000
for each company involved in a merged, consolidated or regionalized entity.
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$20,000
for creation of each new association of emergency service organizations.
-
$50,000
for each new company absorbed into or added to an existing merged,
consolidated or regional entity.
-
$20,000
maximum for design, creation and delivery of communication or education
programs designed to recruit and retain members. Funds awarded under this
activity are restricted to this activity and may not be used for other
purposes.
White
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