Burns reminds fire and ambulance companies to apply for grant money
Rep. Frank Burns October 15, 2014
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, reminds fire and volunteer rescue and ambulance companies that they still have time to apply for their part of $30 million in state grants.
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner will accept applications through 4 p.m. Oct. 17.
"There's still time to apply, but that time is running out," Burns said. "I urge fire, ambulance and rescue companies to get their application in now in order to benefit from this state funding program."
Pennsylvania’s Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program is available to any fire department, either paid or volunteer, and volunteer ambulance and emergency service companies.
Grants can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. Grants also can be applied toward the purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or it may go to repay debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance.
In 2012, the program was extended through June 30, 2016, with a $5 million increase in its annual budget, which Burns supported. He said that on average, fire companies and ambulance services now receive a roughly 25 percent larger grant – from $9,500 to $12,000 for fire departments and from $4,500 to $5,600 for volunteer ambulance companies. The maximum grant amounts available are $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
For more information, along with assistance in applying for the program, visit www.osfc.state.pa.us or call 1-800-670-3473.