HARRISBURG — A one-time, $50 million grant program to support the state’s fire and emergency medical services organizations as they deal with impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is now open for applications, said Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint.

The COVID-19 Crisis Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program was created under Act 26 of 2020 and is funded by money made available through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Few things are more important than our fire and ambulance organizations that come to our aid to protect lives and property,” Causer said. “With efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 keeping people at home and preventing large gatherings, these organizations have been unable to hold their usual fundraisers to help keep their doors open and at the same time have seen costs increase. These grants are sorely needed to keep our communities safe.”

Under the law, $44 million in grants will go to eligible fire companies and $6 million in grants will go to eligible EMS companies. The funding will help cover operational costs such as expenses for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of equipment and property, or other expenses incurred to prevent the spread of communicable illnesses.

The grants will be administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) in a manner similar to how funds are provided under the annual Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, respectively. Companies that received grants earlier this year will receive at least the same amount under the one-time grant program. All eligible companies, regardless of whether the company applied or received a 2019-20 grant, will be required to register for the program.

Additional information and instructions to apply are available at www.osfc.pa.gov.