HARRISBURG – Legislation proposed by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would re-authorize the Fire & EMS Grant Program received a unanimous vote today from the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Senate Bill 910 aims to prolong the program until June 30, 2024. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
“The Fire and EMS Grant initiative has been a very vital program for our fire, ambulance and rescue companies, many of which are made up of dedicated volunteers,” said Mastriano, a member of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.
“I have seen first-hand how important these funds are for our first responders in the 33rd Senate District,” said Mastriano. “We must always remember the bravery and dedication that it takes to keep our communities safe, as well as the cost associated with that effort. These grants help fund training, as well as pay for much-needed equipment. Anything that we can do as a legislature to help these dedicated men and women do their jobs is imperative.”
The grant program is currently $30 million, with $25 million coming from the State Gaming Fund and $5 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund. Overall, the program provides up to $14,000 in grants to fire companies and nearly $7,000 in grants to EMS agencies for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training and reduction of existing debt.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer (717) 787-4651; spitzer@pasen.gov