SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“We have several volunteer fire departments in the Metro East that would be able to take advantage of new funding,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Right now, only city-run fire departments have access to state grants for equipment and building upgrades, this will change that.”

Senate Bill 2645 would allow the OSFM to create and award new rehabilitation and construction grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois. Currently, OSFM operates the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program, which helps repair, upgrade or construct new fire stations by a unit of local government.

However, of the 40 fire departments and fire protection districts in St. Clair County, majority are volunteer departments and do not qualify for the program. Belt’s bill seeks to change this by empowering volunteer departments with new grant opportunities, potentially addressing their infrastructure and equipment needs.

Senate Bill 2645 passed the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday.