State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay Wednesday announced it is now accepting applications for the Unconventional Gas Well Drilling Grant Program.  Applications are due June 30.

“Grant money makes a big difference for the companies that receive this funding,” Solobay said. “Incidents at gas wells can be a little more challenging, so any funding to provide training, equipment and professional development to better handle those incidents goes a long way in protecting workers and emergency responders at the scene.”

Solobay said fire companies, rescue companies, and emergency medical services throughout the 40 counties where unconventional gas well drilling has been permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection, or counties that directly border the permitted counties, are eligible to apply for the grants.

Eligible projects must, in the judgment of the PA State Fire Academy, in consultation with the State Fire Commissioner, and in accordance with Act 13 of 2012, include development, delivery and sustainment of training, professional certification, or the acquisition of specialized equipment for emergency responses relating to natural gas production from unconventional gas wells.

Eligible projects include:

-- Obtaining professional national certification of members.

-- Purchase of firefighting, emergency medical, rescue or air monitoring equipment used at or related to an unconventional gas well pad incident on, or related to, an unconventional gas well pad.  All equipment purchased through the Program will include training on that equipment provided by the PSFA at no additional costs to the grant recipient(s). 

-- Training. Classes and required educational materials paid for with Program funds must be PSFA approved curriculum, and meet a predetermined minimum class size.

For all the details and to apply online, visit the State Fire Commissioner’s Unconventional Gas Well Drilling Grant Program webpage.

(Photo: 2014 Chevron natural gas well fire in Greene County.)

[Posted: May 4, 2017]

5/8/2017