Allegheny County has approved how to spend almost $100 million from American Rescue Plan.
For volunteer fire departments, money can move quickly. A truck costs more than $700,000, hoses can be a couple hundred each, and the gear inside can quickly add up to more than $50,000. “Without that money, we struggle to survive,” Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Daniher said. “The last year and a half to two years have been very difficult.”
Last year took a toll on many departments because fundraisers were canceled or had to be reduced in size. Equipping a firefighter also costs about $15,000.
“It’s very important. Everything is extremely expensive,” Daniher said. According to the county, each fire department will receive $25,000. Daniher plans for the department to use the money for a new hose.