Monday, April 20, 2009

Illinois Fire Marshal & Finance Authority Issue $12 Million in Interest Free Loans to Purchase Emergency Vehicles

From the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Fire Marshal David B. Foreman and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director John B. Filan today issued nearly $12 million in no interest loans to emergency responders across the state. The loans were made available through the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program and the Ambulance Revolving Loan Program.

“Local fire departments need the right equipment to protect the communities they serve,” Foreman said. “Previously, more than $11 million has been loaned out to help nearly 100 departments purchase fire trucks so that they can provide critical public safety services.”

The Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program, administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the IFA, provides no interest, 20-year loans to local fire departments and fire protection districts for the purchase of fire trucks. The maximum loan award is $250,000.

The Ambulance Revolving Loan Program is designed to assist emergency personnel purchase vehicles they otherwise couldn’t afford. Under the program, zero interest loans are provided to fire departments, fire protection districts or non-profit ambulance services for the purchase of ambulances. The loans are available for amounts up to $100,000 and can be repaid over a 10-year period.

“With money so tight for everyone from homeowners to local governments throughout our country, we are delighted to release $12 million of interest free loans to our Illinois communities for critical ambulance and fire services,” Filan added.

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