Province Announces $5-million In Funding for Emergency Response Organizations

Nova Scotia volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations will benefit from improved equipment and infrastructure under a new provincial funding program announced today, Sept. 24.

The Emergency Services Provider Fund is a $5-million, one-year provincial program for volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations such as the Ground Search and Rescue and Hazmat teams. The application-based program will provide up to 60 per cent funding for emergency response equipment such as the jaws of life, pumps, hoses and defibrillators. New construction and upgrades to equipment and facilities are also eligible for the program.

"The new Emergency Services Provider Fund is a fine example of our government's commitment to making our communities safe, healthy places to live," said Premier Rodney MacDonald.

The program will provide a maximum of $250,000 for eligible projects. Capital costs for new fire trucks and emergency vehicles are not eligible for funding, with the exception of vehicles for ground search and rescue.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations will administer the grant. Application forms will be available online as of Sept. 28 at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr . For more information about the Emergency Services Provider Fund, call 1-902-424-3858.