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Senate panel advances $5 million firefighter training facility grant program
Summary
The Senate Local Government Committee advanced House Bill 511, a one-time $5 million program to fund firefighter training facilities statewide with county and per-project caps; proponents said the grants will improve safety and ISO ratings, while administrative and match rules were discussed.
Representative DeMorse told the Senate Local Government Committee that House Bill 511 would create a one-time $5,000,000 firefighter training facility grant program to help departments buy property, construct or repair buildings, and purchase training props and equipment. "This grant will offset the cost to purchase property, construct, remodel, or repair facilities," the sponsor said when he opened the hearing.
Proponents — including George Richards, state president of the Montana State Firefighters Association, and local chiefs — said the money would most benefit volunteer and rural departments that lack tax bases to fund training centers. Richards noted local investments in training facilities and said the…
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