HARRISBURG – As the application deadline quickly approaches to apply for Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service Grants, Rep. Mario Scavello (R- Monroe) is encouraging volunteer fire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania that have not already done so to apply for the 2012 Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

“Because volunteer firefighters and ambulance providers protect our local communities during times of need, it’s important that their working facilities are well maintained and regularly upgraded in accordance with state and federal regulations,” said Scavello. “These grants are beneficial to our local volunteer companies because they may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction.”

The General Assembly recently adopted Act 78 of 2012 to reauthorize the grant program for an additional four years and increase the total grant funding available from $25 million to $30 million. The new law also adds approximately 35 career fire departments to the list of organizations eligible for grant funding.

Grants to eligible fire companies will be contingent on their agreeing to participate in and report information using the Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System. The application period closes on Oct. 19.

Last year, more than nearly two dozen Monroe County fire and ambulance organizations each received thousands of dollars in funding from the program, which was created by the General Assembly as Act 10 of 2007. The program is funded through state gaming proceeds.

For more information, visit Scavello’s website at www.MarioScavello.com and click on “Fire and Ambulance Grants.”