
"Public safety has been and will remain one of my top legislative priorities," Matzie said in a statement. "This investment from the commonwealth will provide our first responders with the resources they need to ensure they are at the ready if called upon."
Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department received $12,650; Baden Volunteer Fire Department received $11,739; and Economy Volunteer Fire Department received $13,106.
The complete list of grant recipients include:
- Aliquippa Bureau of Fire, $13,789;
- Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department, $12,650;
- Baden Volunteer Fire Department, $11,739;
- Conway Volunteer Fire Department, $13,789;
- East Rochester Borough Volunteer Fire Department, $11,511;
- Economy Volunteer Fire Department, $13,106;
- Freedom Volunteer Fire Department, $11,511;
- Hopewell Township Volunteer Fire Department, $11,967;
- Monaca No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department, $11,000;
- Monaca No. 4 Volunteer Fire Department, $12,422;
- Monaca No. 5 Volunteer Fire Company, $11,600;
- Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, $13,789;
- Rochester Volunteer Fire Department, $12,878;
- Leetsdale Fire Department, $12,194;
Grants can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. Grant money also can be applied toward the purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or it may go to repay debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance.
The grant program is due to expire June 30, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. The House recently approved a bill to extend the program for another four years. Matzie voted for the bill, which has been sent to the Senate for consideration.