Fire and emergency medical services could seek merger grants

Companies receiving initial merger grants would have to merge by the deadline or repay the money. Eligible fire and emergency medical service companies must not have merged with another company of the same type within the last 20 years. The commissioner must certify their shared organization, leadership, and emergency services. Awards would depend on available state funding. An extension of up to six months would require substantial progress and delays beyond the companies' reasonable control. Recipients would have one year from receiving the grant to merge, unless the commissioner approves an extension.

The commissioner could award grants to buy or repair firefighter safety equipment. Companies would need 25 or fewer active responders, each of whom answered at least 10 emergencies in the prior calendar year. The company must have answered at least 30 fire or rescue emergencies that year, met state reporting rules, and stayed in good standing. No merger would be required. Each company could receive a grant no more than once every three fiscal years.

Companies that received an initial merger grant could seek further support. Companies must have answered at least 60 fire or rescue emergencies in the prior year. Awards could reach $50,000 for fire companies or $35,000 for emergency medical service companies. Companies must remain merged, stay active and in good standing, and meet reporting rules. Awards would depend on available state funding. Training, recruitment, and retention would need the commissioner's approval. Applications could begin three fiscal years after the initial merger grant and repeat once every three fiscal years.

The commissioner could award extra money when another eligible company joins a merged company. The receiving company must have received an initial merger grant. Joining companies must not have merged with another company of the same type within the last 20 years. The commissioner must verify the joining company's eligibility and confirm that a real merger occurred. Available state funding could limit the award. The company could apply immediately after the additional merger. The award could cover only the gap between its initial award and the grant limit for the total number of participating companies.

Merged fire companies that received an initial merger grant could request construction-account money for facility costs. Participants must not have merged with another company of the same type in the 20 years before the qualifying merger. The commissioner must certify their shared organization, leadership, and emergency services. Facility costs could include buying, building, expanding, or substantially renovating a building. The commissioner must approve the withdrawal. Two elected officers must sign the request and identify an allowed use. The grant limit would apply during the five fiscal years following an eligible merger.