Despite Grant, PA Dept. Says Rising Apparatus Costs a Challenge

Aug. 2—The good news is that the Export Volunteer Fire Department recently was awarded a $545,000 grant to put toward a new fire truck.

The bad news is that, even with the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant in hand, they're still hundreds of thousands of dollars away from their goal.

"In 1994, we brought a new KME front-line pumper truck in for $200,000," Export fire Chief and Councilman David Silvis said. "Today, we're probably between $800,000 and $900,000 to fund this new truck."

The worse news is that, even after the truck has been ordered, it could be a three- to four-year process to have it fully outfitted and delivered.

"The rising costs of the materials and availability is what's making it take so long," Silvis said.

In addition, the federal Environmental Protection Agency is looking to implement new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which he said could potentially add another $60,000 to $90,000 to the price tag.

"They're in the process of changing the motor requirements. And, right now, the manufacturers don't know what that's going to be," Silvis said. "We could be looking at a $1 million for a new truck," he said.

Silvis said fire company members have been working hard — both in answering calls and fundraising for expenses — and fellow firefighter and Councilman Jim Mahinske said they will figure out how to fully fund the new truck.

"It's not common to get this grant for this truck," Silvis said. "I think everyone in town should be very proud of the people in the department."

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .

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