OCTOBER 26, 2001 - Qualifying Michigan cities, villages and townships that have state facilities within their jurisdictions will be reimbursed for a portion of their fire protection services costs under a bill signed into law this week by Governor John Engler.  The $7, 421, 000 appropriated for these grants is the same amount as last year.  

“I am pleased that even in this very tight budget year we will be able to reimburse local communities for a portion of their fire protection costs,” said Engler. 

The legislature initiated the Fire Protection Grant program in 1977 to reimburse local units of government -- townships, villages and cities -- for a percentage of the costs incurred in protecting state-owned facilities.  Funded through the Liquor Revolving Fund, the grant amounts are made via a formula created by state legislature with Public Act 289 of 1977 that is based on the value of the state owned property and facilities in various communities.

“We realize these grants help ensure that vital fire protection services will continue to be provided for a variety of state-owned facilities throughout Michigan,” said Consumer & Industry Services Director Kathy Wilbur. 

Every August a letter is mailed to local governments indicating the amount of money available and the formula to be used for reimbursement. 

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.