Nov. 13--CANTON -- State Rep. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) Baker spoke recently in Canton about proposed legislation to help fire companies purchase needed equipment.
Recently, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation authored by Baker that would increase loan amounts available for volunteer fire and ambulance companies under the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP), according to Baker.
Baker, who spoke at the Canton Volunteer Fire Department's annual awards banquet, also provided a news release about the bill.
"This is a valuable loan program that makes it possible for our financially challenged volunteer emergency service companies to purchase needed life-saving equipment and make updates to their facilities," said Baker in a news release. "The program's loan amounts have not been adequately updated in more than 20 years. My legislation ensures the amount of the loans granted under the program is up to date with today's costs."
The bill, House Bill 1706, is in the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee in the Senate, according to Baker's office.
"I think it's wonderful," said Canton Fire Chief J. Scott May, when asked for comment.
He thought it would be useful.
"It's definitely an asset for all fire companies," he commented.
He said the fire department is looking to replace a ladder truck in the future.
"You can only borrow so much, it would be nice to be able to borrow more than the limit they have set now."
According to Baker, the legislation would increase the amounts for loans as follows:
- Establishing and modernizing facilities: increased from $200,000 to $400,000, or 50 percent of the total cost, whichever is less
- Purchasing apparatus, ambulances, etc.: increased from $100,000 to $200,000 or 50 percent of the total cost, whichever is less
- Aerial apparatus: increased from up to $150,000 to up to $300,000
- Ambulance or light duty rescue vehicle: increased from up to $50,000 to up to $100,000
- Watercraft rescue vehicle: increased from up to $15,000 to up to $30,000 or 50 percent of the cost of the ambulance or rescue vehicle, whichever is less
- Purchasing protective equipment, etc.: increased from up to $10,000 to up to $20,000
- Repair of apparatus equipment: increased from $1,000-$35,000 to at least $2,000, not more than $70,000 or 80 percent of cost, whichever is less
- Purchasing used apparatus: increased from $60,000 to $120,000 or 80 percent of cost, whichever is less
- PennFirs hardware and software, one-time only: increased from up to $2,000 to up to $4,000 or 75 percent of cost, whichever is less.
Baker noted that loan amounts may exceed limits by $20,000 (increased from $10,000) for the purchase of firefighting apparatus, ambulance or rescue vehicles manufactured/assembled in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 1706 also would allow companies that merge or consolidate to hold up to a combined total of up to 10 loans for a period of 10 years, he said.
"Currently, only three loans can be held by the companies, which could prevent fire, rescue and ambulance companies in close proximity to one another from consolidating, which is often a smart financial move that allows better service for a given community or communities which they serve," said Baker in the news release. "My legislation provides the flexibility needed to make the best decisions possible for a volunteer emergency service organization and the area it serves."
The legislation also would authorize the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) the ability to determine collateral against a loan provided through VLAP, Baker said.
House Bill 1706 is supported by the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute, the Pennsylvania Firemen's Federation, the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, OSFC, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. It now goes to the state Senate for consideration, he noted.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: [email protected].
Copyright 2013 - The Daily Review, Towanda, Pa.
