SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin has secured over $7,500 in grant money for two local fire protection districts.
“Rural Illinois cannot be left behind when it comes to fire safety,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This money is for fire training and purchasing equipment. I am glad to see these state dollars go to good use.”
The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, matches funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to local fire departments and fire training academies.
The 73 grantees provide fire protection to about 250,000 Illinois residents, primarily in rural areas of Illinois. Central Warren County Fire Protection District, located in Halpin’s Western Illinois District, received nearly $5,000. In addition, Carbon Cliff-Barstow Fire Protection District, also in Halpin’s District received a grant of $2,533.57.
Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on IDNR’s website.
