Fire, EMS grant program opens application period

The application period for the 2021 Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fund Grant program recently open and will run through Oct. 15.

The program provides grants to fire companies, rescue companies, and emergency medical services in the 40 counties where unconventional gas wells are located and to the counties that directly border those counties.

Grants will be awarded from $2,000 to $6,000.

Eligible projects include training classes and required educational materials that prepare participants for incidents at an unconventional gas well pad incident or related to the unconventional gas industry; obtaining professional national certification for members; and purchasing firefighting, emergency medical, rescue, or air monitoring equipment.

“As departments continue to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our office is pleased to announce the availability of important funding opportunities,” State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego said. “We encourage all departments to learn more about the program to ascertain their eligibility and apply, so these needed funds can be put to good use in their communities.”

To be eligible, applicants must be participating in the Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System, comply with the Act 13 Grant and the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant programs, and not be delinquent in loan payments to the Pennsylvania Volunteer Loan Assistance Program.