Montpelier, VT – State Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced that over $160,000 of federal funds are available to reimburse Bennington County public entities that conducted search and rescue operations on Green Mountain National Forest land on or after Oct. 1, 2012.
The funds are available pursuant to Title III of the Secure Rural Schools Act, providing reimbursement for expenses related to search and rescue equipment, training, and supplies. Treasurer Pieciak emphasized that he hopes to disburse the funds as soon as possible.
“Emergency personnel keep our communities safe, supporting Vermonters in their most difficult moments,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “Recognizing these organizations often work on very tight budgets, I want all emergency personnel in Bennington County to know these funds are available so our office can provide reimbursements as quickly as possible. I hope Vermonters will join us in spreading the word about this opportunity to anyone who might benefit.”
Eligible expenses include a broad range of needs, including repair and maintenance of any equipment, vehicles, or facilities damaged during an emergency response. Purchase of capital equipment, such as a fire engine, search-and-rescue snowmobile, or other emergency response equipment, is also eligible for reimbursement. Purchases will be reimbursed at a rate proportional to their use on Green Mountain National Forest land.
Priority will be given to more recent expenditures, so public entities are asked to “work backward” in submitting requests for reimbursement, starting with the most recent expenditures. Bennington County first responders conducting search and rescue operations on Green Mountain National Forest land should review eligibility criteria and information about how to access funds here.
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