Senate Passes Fire, EMS Grant Program Extension

HARRISBURG – The Senate voted Wednesday to extend the $25 million grant program to fund grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments until 2012, according to Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

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. House Bill 906 would extend the grants for five years, ensuring that funding would not lapse for the program. Sen. Rhoades said that the five-year extension provides a valuable safety net for the state's first responders.

"Extending this grant program for five years will ensure that our first responders have the training and equipment they need to protect our communities," Rhoades said. "These men and women volunteer their time and efforts to saving our lives and property, and funding these grants is the least we can do to show our appreciation for their service."

Under the grant program, 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.

The legislation will now go back to the House of Representatives for concurrence.