FIRE STATION Act

Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation Act or the FIRE STATION Act

This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a grant program to modify, upgrade, and construct fire and emergency medical services (EMS) department facilities.

Grant recipients may use funds to

• build, rebuild, or renovate fire and EMS department facilities;
• upgrade existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems, install backup power systems, upgrade or replace environmental control systems (such as HVAC systems), remove or remediate mold, and construct or modify living quarters for use by male and female personnel; and
• upgrade fire and EMS stations or build new stations.

Grant recipients must meet one of the two most recently published editions of relevant codes and standards, especially codes and standards that (1) require up-to-date hazard resistant and safety provisions, and (2) are relevant for protecting firefighter health and safety.

The bill sets forth provisions regarding (1) grant fund allocations between career and volunteer fire and EMS departments, (2) overtime, and (3) prevailing rate of wage and a requirement for using materials produced domestically for public contracts.

The FIRE STATION Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1814, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide funding for the construction and renovation of fire stations across the country.

The bill proposes allocating federal funds to local fire departments to help them improve their facilities and equipment. This includes building new fire stations in areas that are in need of better emergency response services, as well as renovating existing stations to ensure they meet modern safety standards.

The FIRE STATION Act also aims to address the issue of outdated equipment and technology in many fire stations. By providing funding for new equipment and training programs, the bill seeks to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of fire departments nationwide. Supporters of the bill argue that investing in fire stations is crucial for public safety and emergency response efforts. They believe that by modernizing and expanding fire stations, communities will be better equipped to handle emergencies and protect their residents. Opponents of the bill may argue that the federal government should not be involved in funding local fire departments, and that this responsibility should be left to state and local governments. They may also raise concerns about the cost of implementing the FIRE STATION Act and how it will be funded. Overall, the FIRE STATION Act is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to improve the infrastructure and capabilities of fire stations across the United States. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its fate will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in the coming months.