IT'S ABOUT TIME

From www.poconorecord.com

Law will help volunteer fire and ambulance
Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writer
February 25, 2006


HARRISBURG — State Sen. James J. Rhoades, R-29, said legislation that would provide $25 million in grants for volunteer firefighters and ambulance services was recently signed into law.

"Pennsylvania's volunteer firefighters and emergency workers protect out homes and businesses, risking their lives every time they answer the call," said Rhoades. "Therefore, we need to make sure they can afford the equipment necessary to fight fires and save lives."

Under the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act, volunteer companies and EMS crews would have until April 30 to submit applications for the grants, and funding could be available as soon as this summer. Rhoades co-sponsored similar legislation, Senate Bill 867, which passed the Senate in September.

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; or debt reduction.

Rhoades said 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.

The grant program will be administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. PEMA will be required to provide written instructions and guidelines for grants to the fire chief and the president of every volunteer fire company in this Commonwealth on or before Feb. 28.

All applications must be approved or disapproved by June 30, and any application that is not approved or disapproved by June 30 would be deemed approved.

"I am very pleased that funding for this important grant program was restored and will be available this fiscal year for our volunteer fire companies and ambulance workers," said Rhoades. "With these grants, we can support the invaluable service they provide to out communities."