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Lawmakers press PEMA on urban search‑and‑rescue funding; Joint State Government Commission study expected in June
Summary
Representatives asked why a $6 million urban search‑and‑rescue line item was omitted from the governor’s proposed budget. PEMA said prior appropriations have funded Western Pennsylvania capability and that a Joint State Government Commission review will recommend future funding levels.
Representative Jason Kahl asked PEMA why a $6 million line item for urban search‑and‑rescue (USAR) was removed from the governor’s 2025–26 proposal and how the state is supporting regional USAR capability.
Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, said the $6 million was included in last year’s budget and that the city of Pittsburgh has been identified as the sponsoring agency for the Western Pennsylvania USAR team. He told the committee that an interagency agreement and grant transfer documents are being finalized to move previously appropriated funds to that sponsoring…
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