HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, commended two area volunteer fire companies for their successful efforts to obtain funding for safety and operation upgrades.
“In recent weeks, both the Columbia Volunteer Fire Company in Osceola Mills and the Madera Volunteer Fire Company won federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants totaling more than $118,000,” George said. “Their efforts will provide marked improvements to the region’s emergency preparedness.”
Columbia was awarded a $28,500 federal grant for protective equipment in late January. George said he was notified this week by the state fire commissioner’s office that the company’s request for a $150,000, low-interest loan to refinance its purchase of a 2006 fire truck equipped with a 1,500-gallon-a-minute pumper and 750-gallon tank also had been approved.
On Feb. 2, the Madera company’s $90,250 grant for equipment upgrades was announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
An AFG application workshop has been scheduled for 7 p.m. March 7 in Ebensburg. More information is available by calling 889-2121.
George noted that Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s proposed 2007-08 state budget includes $25 million for grants to volunteer fire companies and ambulance squads throughout Pennsylvania.