Brewster: Funding for Volunteer Fire Departments Now Available

Brewster: Funding for Volunteer Fire Departments Now Available

April 2, 2020

McKeesport – April 2, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the new federal stimulus program passed in response to the pandemic allows volunteer fire companies to apply for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Loans (PPP).

“The federal stimulus act enables qualifying volunteer fire companies to apply for EIDL and PPP loans with funds that will be made available quickly,” Brewster said.

EIDL loans can provide up to $2 million in working capital with emergency grants immediately available. An advance of $10,000 for volunteer fire companies organized as IRC 501 (c) (3) of IRC 501 (c) 4 can be accessed within three days of application. Organizations applying for funding will not be required to repay the funds, even if a loan application is ultimately rejected.

Brewster said that qualifying volunteer organizations that pay firefighters can also access federal funds through the PPP. Under this program, loans will be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the funds are used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. 

“The International Association of Fire Chiefs has provided guidance for departments to seek federal stimulus funds to help cover costs,” Brewster said. “I encourage all volunteer fire departments to examine these programs in depth and seek federal help during this very difficult time.”

Brewster said that more information on the program can be found at https://www.iafc.org/blogs/blog/iafc/2020/04/02/volunteer-departments-eligible-for-cares-act-loan-programs

Local Fire Companies Awarded Grants to Guard Against Wildfires, Brewster says

Local Fire Companies Awarded Grants to Guard Against Wildfires, Brewster says

October 10, 2018

Dravosburg, Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Companies Receive Grants 

Harrisburg – Oct. 9, 2018 — Two local fire companies In the Mon Valley were awarded grants to help combat wildfires in state forests and undeveloped areas, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 is slated to receive $2,775 and Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Co. $10,000 to respond to wildfires. 

“Our volunteer fire companies do an extraordinary job in responding to fires and emergency situations, not only in built up areas but also in forests and more rural regions,” Brewster said.  “These grants will help equip firefighters and provide training in dealing with forest or brush fires.”

There were 132 grants for fire companies approved statewide.  The total grant funding available this year is $646,891.

Since 1982, more than $12.5 million in grant funding has been approved.  The funding was received through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“We simply must do more to support our fire services,” Brewster said.  “These dollars will be put to good use in both Dravosburg and Elizabeth.”

Brewster said fires in forests and undeveloped areas are difficult to manage and often require special equipment and training. 

“These grants are a tool that we can use to help local fire companies save lives and property,” Brewster said. 

Last year, nearly $600,000 in grant funding was released to 129 volunteer fire companies. 

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