Jun. 01, 2020
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the additional challenges facing the Pennsylvania fire and emergency medical services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state House of Representatives approved $50 million in additional grant funding for the organizations, according to Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe).
Act 26 of 2020 creates the COVID-19 Crisis Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program with funding coming from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“During normal times, our first responders often struggle to raise the necessary funds they need to stay in operation. The current health crisis has only made those efforts more difficult,”said Rader. “I am pleased we are able to provide this badlyneeded financial support to local fire and ambulance companies so they can continue their life-saving services to our communities.”
Under the new law, the funds are distributed as follows: $44 million for grants to eligible fire companies and $6 million for grants to eligible EMS companies.
The grants will be administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in a manner similar to how funds were provided through the Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, respectively. Eligible companies that did not apply for or receive a fire and EMS grant in fiscal year 2019-20 would be required to submit an application for this funding.
The legislation was signed into law by the governor on Friday, May 29.
Representative Jack Rader
176thLegislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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