Central PA News

Fire and emergency response organizations in the 171st Legislative District have been allocated over $157,000 under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. This announcement was made by state Representative Kerry Benninghoff, representing Centre and Mifflin counties.

Benninghoff expressed the significance of these grants, emphasizing that, "With so many of our emergency services relying on volunteers, these grants are a vital investment in public safety." He added that the funding would aid local departments in areas such as equipment upgrades and training costs, maintaining the quality of emergency responses residents have come to expect.

The funds will be distributed among numerous recipients. These include Bellefonte EMS and Big Valley EMS, receiving $15,000 each; Belleville Fire Co., accepting $15,030; and Logan Fire Co., awarded $16,322. Other notable recipients are Milroy Hose Co. for both fire and EMS services, receiving a combined total of $27,018, and Pleasant Gap Fire Co., which will receive $15,246. The list covers a multitude of organizations, each set to improve their operations with the allocated funds.

The funds stem from a grant program initiated by the Legislature, which the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner administer. The grant program supports various projects, including construction, renovation, equipment procurement or repair, training, and debt reduction for fire and ambulance companies.

The program ensures that funds are available to all qualifying applicants who meet the requirements set by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Recipients are required to file a grant agreement with the Commission to receive their funds.

State Representative Kerry Benninghoff can be reached through his media contact, Scott Little, at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further information.