Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) recently announced that the Volunteer Fire Department Capital Fund that originated from one of his bills is now accepting applications. This $25 million capital fund was included in the budget last year thanks to his advocacy.

There are two funding options available. $20 million was allocated for construction, renovation, and/or facility purchase projects. $5 million was allocated for allowable fire service equipment projects. Applications are due on April 30, 2024, by 5 p.m.

Since Jones was elected in 2016, he has visited almost every fire department in his district to hear firsthand about the struggles they are facing with funding for capital projects and recruiting volunteers. That is why he introduced legislation in 2022 to support volunteer fire departments, including A4929 to create this capital fund for volunteer fire departments that was ultimately included in last year’s budget. He also introduced legislation to create a volunteer firefighter training fund, which was also included in last year’s budget (A3242).

“Our volunteer fire departments are always there for us in our time of need and the state must do more to help these struggling departments,” said Jones. “That is why I have pushed for this volunteer fire department capital fund as well as more resources for recruiting and training. So many local fire departments have reached out to me since this funding was included in the final budget, which shows that this funding is truly needed in our region and across the state. I will push to extend this funding next year so that our volunteer fire departments are able to continue to answer the call during emergencies.”

More information on the program is available here- https://www.dhses.ny.gov/state- funded-programs.