By Laura French
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania state legislature has unanimously approved $50 million in additional grants for fire and EMS agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state House of Representatives gave final approval of the Senate bill establishing the COVID-19 Crisis Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program on Thursday, according to a press release from Pennsylvania Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon).
Under the new program, $44 million in CARES Act funds will be distributed to eligible fire companies, and $6 million will go to eligible EMS agencies.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will administer the grants, which agencies must apply for if they have not applied for a fire or EMS grant in the fiscal year 2019-20.
“The fundraising efforts of our local fire and ambulance companies have become even more challenging during the current health crisis,” Heffley said. “This special grant program will help these dedicated volunteers stay in operation at a time when their service to our communities is so critical.”