By Charles Young, The Exponent Telegram
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice ceremonially signed a bill Friday that will provide $12 million annually to fire departments throughout the state.
The governor signed House Bill 5128 during the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association at their 96th annual convention in Boone County.
The legislation passed during this year’s regular session of the West Virginia Legislature and became effective June 1. It directs funds from the State Lottery Fund to be transferred to three different funds supporting fire departments and volunteer fire departments at the end of each fiscal year.
“Basically, the net of the whole thing is it’s going to flip $12 million toward the great volunteer fire departments all across the state and make more good stuff happen, whether it be people or equipment or whatever,” the governor said. “It’ll save lives — it’ll save bunches of lives.”
From the total of $12 million, $6 million will go to the Fire Protection Fund for state distribution to volunteer fire departments; $3 million will go to the All County Fire Protection Fund for county distribution to fire departments in each county that has in place a countywide excess levy, or a countywide fee dedicated to fire or emergency services; and $3 million will go to the County Fire Protection Fund for county distribution to fire departments in each county.
