CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the distribution of $3 million to counties in West Virginia to support their fire services.
The funding comes after the passage and signing of SB 1022 and SB 1023, which supplemented appropriations to the Division of Emergency Management, Growth County Fire Protection Fund, and County Fire Protection Fund. Gov. Justice signed them into law in August 2023.
“These funds directly benefit the people that literally run to the fire, and they will provide support to the 438 fire departments in West Virginia,” Gov Justice said. “These services are vital to the safety and well-being of our people, and we appreciate all those that sacrifice to protect us each and every day.”
This first round of funding contained in SB 1022 has been released through the County Fire Protection Fund, delivering resources to all 55 counties in West Virginia. The second round of funding, an additional $3 million, will be administered through the Growth County Fire Fund as a result of SB 1023 and is being prepared for release in the near future.
The funds can be used for Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) based on the needs of the individual counties that receive them. These funds may also be used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), facilities upkeep, and upgrade or buy new rescue, communications or ambulance equipment.
Additionally, these funds may also be used toward education and training expenses or to offset costs associated with compliance with Insurance Service Office recommendations (ISO), utility bills, and insurance payments.