Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Grant Applications Available Soon, Says Causer

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is encouraging volunteer fire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania to submit an application for the 2012 Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program (VFCVASGP).

The application period opens Sept. 5 and closes Oct. 20.

The General Assembly recently adopted Act 78 of 2012 to reauthorize the grant program for an additional four years and increase the total grant funding available from $25 million to $30 million.  The new law also adds approximately 35 career fire departments to the list of organizations eligible for grant funding.

The grants may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction.

Grants to eligible fire companies will be contingent on their agreeing to participate in and report information using the Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System (PennFIRS).

During the last decade, $3.2 million has been awarded to about 40 volunteer fire and ambulance companies in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties. The program is funded through state gaming proceeds.

For more information, visit www.RepCauser.com and click on “Fire and Ambulance Grants.”