Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $420,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced Friday.
In McKean County, the following departments will receive funding:
— Bradford City Fire Department, Bradford – $9,192.44 for EMS operations; $14,248.03 for fire company operations.
— Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $14,248.03.
— Clermont Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $11,509.46.
— Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $11,920.24.
— Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $12,057.17.
— Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department, Eldred – $11,646.38.
— Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department, Cyclone – $11,646.38.
— Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane – $11,646.38.
— Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $11,646.38.
— Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $11,509.46.
— Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association, Mount Jewett – $9,192.44.
— Mount Jewett Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $11,646.38.
— Norwich Township Volunteer Fire Department, Crosby – $11,509.46.
— Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department, Duke Center – $8,852.41 for EMS operations; $11,509.46 for fire company operations.
— Port Allegany Fire Department, Star Hose Company No. 1, Port Allegany – $13,837.24.
— Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $9,192.44.
— Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $11,783.31.
— Smethport Fire Department Inc., Smethport – $11,920.24.
“As our emergency response organizations continue to struggle financially, these grants are sure to be put to good use,” Causer said. “As always, I am grateful for the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities and am pleased we can continue to support them with this valuable funding.”
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue.
Since its inception, the program has provided approximately $6.2 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. Grant recipients must submit their signed grant agreements to the OSFC by the end of May to ensure sufficient time to process payment.
In Cameron County, Cameron County Ambulance Service in Emporium will receive $9,192.44; Emporium Fire Department Inc. in Emporium will receive $11,509.46 and Mountaineer Search and Rescue in Emporium will receive $11,509.46.
In Potter County, the following companies will receive funding:
— Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $9,192.44 for EMS operations; $12,878.74 for fire department operations.
— Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport – $9,192.44.
— Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $13,563.39.
— Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $9,192.44.
— Genesee Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Genesee – $8,611.63 for EMS operations; $11,646.38 for fire company operations.
— Germania Fire Company, Galeton – $11,509.46.
— Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley – $12,741.81.
— Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $3,996.41.
— Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $11,509.46.
— Roulette Chemical Engine No. 1 Inc., Roulette – $9,192.44 for EMS operations; $11,783.31 for fire company operations.
— Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Ulysses – $11,920.24.
— Tri-town Fire Company, Ulysses – $12,331.03.