Scarnati Announces State Grant Awards for Local Volunteer (Potter County) Fire Companies

(HARRISBURG) - State grants totaling $58,236 were awarded for volunteer fire companies in the 25th Senatorial District, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati explained that these grants will help rural community volunteer fire companies guard against the threat of wildfires in the state’s forests and other undeveloped areas.  The grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is paid for through federal grants provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“The services that our local volunteer firefighters provide help to make our communities stronger and safer,” Scarnati said.  “These grants will help ensure that our volunteer firefighters are well trained and well equipped to handle the devastation that can be caused by wildfires.”

Local firefighting forces in communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.  Grant recipients were selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection.  Aid is granted on a cost-share basis, with recipients supplying matching funds.

In the 25th Senatorial District, 13 fire companies are receiving grants through this round of funding.  Local grants for each of the awardees ranged from $500 to $9,181.  A total of 132 grants were awarded statewide in 2018, with the maximum grant awarded to any fire company being $10,000.

Grants Awarded in the 25th Senatorial District 

·         McKean County

o   Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford - $9,134

o   Hamlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Hazel Hurst - $1,083

·         Potter County

o   Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport - $3,350

o   Kettle Creek Hose Co. No. 1 Volunteer Fire Co., Cross Fork - $7,045

o   Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse - $3,750