Appropriation; Rural Fire Truck Fund for additional round of trucks under Acquisition Assistance Program.
Impact
The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws related to funding for emergency services, particularly in rural communities. By allocating funds specifically for the acquisition of fire trucks, the bill supports local governments in improving their firefighting resources. This can lead to better response times and improved safety for residents in these areas, thereby helping to mitigate risks associated with fires and other emergencies.
Summary
Senate Bill 2094 proposes an appropriation to the Rural Fire Truck Fund to support the acquisition of an additional round of fire trucks for counties and municipalities under the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program for the fiscal year 2025. The total appropriation amount stated in the bill is $3,500,000. This funding is aimed at enhancing the fire-fighting capabilities of rural areas, ensuring that local fire services are adequately equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
Contention
While the bill itself appears to be straightforward in its intent, there may be points of contention regarding the distribution of funds and the prioritization of rural fire services compared to urban areas. Questions may arise about how the funding will be administrated and whether all regions will have equitable access to the resources provided by the bill. Additionally, ongoing discussions in legislative circles may focus on the sustainability of such appropriations in future fiscal budgets.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.