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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dante Santoni |
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Volunteer fire, ambulance companies can apply for state grant
HARRISBURG, Sept. 1 -- State Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, is reminding local volunteer fire departments, ambulance companies and rescue squads that the online application period for the state's Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program will open on Sept. 7 and run through Oct. 21.
Santoni said $25 million in grants is available to these volunteer companies for projects involving station construction or renovation, equipment purchase or repair, training or debt reduction. The maximum grant amount for volunteer fire departments is $15,000; for volunteer ambulance and rescue squads, the maximum grant is $10,000.
Santoni helped to pass legislation in 2007 that authorizes the grant program through 2012.
"Local volunteer rescue departments are always there for their communities during times of crisis," Santoni said. "And they're always in need of funding to ensure that service to their neighbors. Grant programs like this one, as well as dependable fundraising abilities at the local level, are vital for their survival. It ensures there will be revenue available to these organizations for projects that significantly benefit our local communities."
Santoni, who is chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said the legislature continues to look for ways to assist volunteer fire and ambulance rescue departments through grant programs like this and other measures. His committee approved legislation (H.B. 169), which the House passed in May, that would allow nonprofit organizations that run small games of chance to increase prize limits; hold monthly drawings and multiple daily drawings; and use some of what they take in through small games for operating expenses.
More information on the Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Company Grant Program is available at the website of the Office of the State Fire Commissioner: www.osfc.state.pa.us. The online application will be available at the site beginning Sept. 7.
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