KME Hails Pa. Legislation Increasing Apparatus Loan Limits

Nesquehoning, PA – KME is pleased to let fire departments throughout the Commonwealth know that House Bill 1706 was recently signed into law. This bill doubles the current loan limits for the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) for the purchase, repair or rehabilitation of vehicles, equipment and facilities.

Under the new loan limits, volunteer fire, EMS and ambulance companies are eligible for low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to cover up to 50 percent of the cost to purchase new vehicles and apparatus.

In addition, the new law also includes a provision that allows volunteer companies to exceed loan limits by up to $20,000 for the purchase of equipment that is manufactured in Pennsylvania, providing a strong incentive for volunteer companies to support Pennsylvania manufacturers.

The VLAP extension was financed by existing bond issues and does not require the use of additional state tax dollars.

“I am pleased that the legislature is continuing its support of Pennsylvania first responders with additional funding opportunities for facilities, equipment and apparatus,” said Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer John J. Kovatch III. “As one of several Pennsylvania truck manufacturers, I am proud that the bill also supports PA jobs by offering additional resources to fire departments purchasing apparatus built in the Commonwealth."

KME is a leading custom manufacturer of a full range of specialty vehicles for military, industrial, commercial, aviation and municipal markets.

Additional information on KME can be found at www.kovatch.com.