Question for the Chief

[F18Wub]

Chief Reason

I was reading the local paper tonight and seen that Galesburg had a 60,000 dollar project for the training site frozen along with everyone else's money. Any idea what they are going to do with it? I had heard they were trying to update the burn buildings, but that was quite a while ago. Oh, almost forgot. Any progress on the hooters girls to assist with rehab for the summer fire school?

[ChiefReason]

F18Wub:
There is a movement to eliminate Illinois FIRST grants from next year's budget to save $700 million. There is also discussion to legalize video poker in taverns. Obviously, the state is desperate. The projects that on the table for this year are being closely scrutinized and ones that lack merit will not be awarded funds. The Moffitt/Smith coalition is keeping a close eye on this process.
There was an article in today's paper about no-interest loans.
Here it is:
Legislation may upgrade outdated fire equipment
State lawmakers ponder way to help fire departments

February 19, 2003

By KRISTY HESSMAN
of the Associated Press


SPRINGFIELD - When the volunteers of the Patoka Fire Protection District race toward a blazing building, they do it with 40-year-old firetrucks and hand-me-down lifesaving equipment.

The result is slower response time and increased danger for firefighters and homeowners, said Blake Hyde, fire chief for the little town about 60 miles east of St. Louis.

Towns all across Illinois face the same problem.

Firefighters describe fire trucks that have to be towed to the scene, engines that won’t start in the winter and hoses that are held together with duct tape.

Now, some state lawmakers are hoping to give fire departments a new way to keep up with the steep cost of equipment. They are backing legislation to create a revolving loan fund, letting fire departments borrow money for fire trucks and pay back the loan interest free.

"We are facing very difficult budget times, so on this they can borrow money and only pay back the principle," said the plan’s sponsor, Rep. Don Moffitt, R-Gilson. "It will be a big help."

A new fire engine can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $500,000. Borrowing at 4 percent to 7 percent interest over 20 years can add almost a quarter-million dollars to the original price tag, said Moffitt.

While a number of fire departments and associations support the legislation, it may be hard to find the necessary money when the state faces a budget deficit nearing $5 billion.

Rep. Michael Smith, D-Canton, the bill’s co-sponsor, estimated $15 million to $25 million will be needed.

Tom Schafer, a spokesman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, said the governor supports the concept but would like to look for alternative sources of funding to get the program started.

Even people whose departments have all the latest gear should worry about the rest, Moffitt said, because firefighters respond to auto accidents and other emergencies.

"It is everyone’s problem," he said, "because as you travel the state, the fire protection you receive is what’s available along that highway."