Provincial Government Announces Expansion of Fire Protection Vehicle Program

  • Municipal Affairs and Environment

February 4, 2019

The Honourable Graham Letto, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, today announced that the Fire Protection Vehicle Program has been expanded to include more options for communities to access funding for used and new vehicles. Minister Letto was joined by Duane Antle, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services.

The program has been modified to include eligibility for suitable used vehicles, as well as a provision for a fixed contribution funding amount for new vehicles. Communities will now be able to apply for cost-shared funding under one of three funding streams, depending on which stream best suits their financial needs. The three streams include: Used Vehicle – Cost Shared Funding; New Vehicle – Cost Shared Funding; and New Vehicle – Fixed Contribution Cost Shared Funding.

Funding for used vehicles will be based on a cost-share of 90/10, with the community paying 10 per cent, up to a total of $100,000 provincial contribution. Fixed contribution funding for a new vehicle will include a maximum fixed contribution of $100,000 towards the purchase of new pumper and tanker vehicles. Additional information on the program and the application can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/forms/FireProtectionVehicleProgram.pdf .

Budget 2018 includes an investment of $1.88 million for the replacement of fire protection vehicles and firefighting equipment program for 2018-19. This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca

Quotes
“Our government remains committed to investing in and supporting quality fire services and equipment for residents across the province. The expansion to the Fire Protection Vehicle Program will benefit many communities as they plan and apply for funding that takes into account their financial capacity, enabling them to strengthen fire services in their region.”
Honourable Graham Letto
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire services is very pleased to see that the Provincial Government is listening to our association and its membership. We believe the government is moving in the right direction and appreciate the willingness of the decision makers to listen to our concerns and suggestions that impact the fire services of our province. While we still have a lot of work to do, we are encouraged by the additional provisions being announced and we remain committed to working diligently to help government address this important issue that affects so many of our fire departments.”
Duane Antle,
President, Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services

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Learn more

Fire Vehicle Protection Program Application

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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Mandy Young
Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association
709-424-6500
office@nlfireservices.com

2019 02 04 11:15 am