Robb Blasdel Announces Local Funding for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program
State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) announces the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry has made awards for its Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant program, which focuses on providing support to rural fire departments.
The program aims to assist fire departments in acquiring wildland fire equipment, such as UTVs, ATVs, wildfire slip-in units, PPE, MARCS communication devices, and other items that support rural fire department development.
"I’m pleased to announce this funding coming to Columbiana and Carroll counties, which will support rural fire departments and help them protect their communities," said Robb Blasdel. "I look forward to seeing these allocations get our local fire departments equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs in keeping our areas safe."
The local fire departments and their allocations through the program within the 79th House District include:
- Carrollton Village of dba Carrollton Village Fire Department - Carroll County - $9,963
- Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department – Carroll County - $3,044
- Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department - Columbiana County - $10,000
- Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department – Columbiana County - $9,780
Fire departments located within the ODNR Forestry Wildfire Protection Areas are eligible to apply for VFA grants of up to $10,000 each. These grants are designed to help fire departments acquire the necessary equipment to prevent and fight wildfires in rural areas. The grants can be used to purchase equipment and supplies that improve fire department readiness, increase firefighter safety, and enhance the effectiveness of firefighting operations.
For more information about the VFA Grant, please visit the ODNR Division of Forestry website at www.forestry.ohiodnr.gov.