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For Immediate
Release
2/13/07
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Senate Approves Extension of Fire & EMS Grants
Senate Bill 10 would reauthorize the program for five years
Audio |
Video
- Senator Regola
Audio |
Video - Senator Baker
Audio |
Video - Senator Waugh
HARRISBURG --
Senator Bob Regola, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 10, and Senator Mike Waugh,
author of Senate Resolution 60 which authorized a study of measures to help
first responders, applauded Senate passage today (February 13) of legislation to
reauthorize the popular fire/EMS grant program for five years.
SB 10, as
originally introduced by Senator Regola, would have reauthorized the
program for one year. The Senate amended the bill on Monday to
reauthorize it for five years, which would provide a valuable safety net
for Pennsylvania's dedicated emergency responders, the legislators said.
Since 2000, the
General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the PA
Emergency Management Agency to provide grants to
volunteer fire
and EMS departments. However, it has lapsed in the past. Senator Regola
said the five year authorization would set in place the mechanism to
allow for funding on a steady basis.
"We have stated
on many occasions our appreciation for Pennsylvania's volunteer
firefighters and emergency medical services crews who provide a
tremendous and invaluable service to our communities," Senator Regola
said. "By authorizing this program for five years, we can show
Pennsylvania's emergency responders that we are truly committed to
providing the essential financial support they need to upgrade their
equipment and facilities."
Senator Waugh, a
longtime proponent of efforts to assist Pennsylvania's first responders,
said Senate Bill 10, as amended, would be another major boost to local
volunteers.
"Fundraising as well as the essential
maintenance and upgrade of equipment and facilities were all major
issues that came to light during the SR 60 Commission review of
emergency responders' operations and capabilities," Senator Waugh said.
"The firefighter/EMS grant program is a vitally important program,
especially for many of the smaller, volunteer departments across
Pennsylvania."
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