WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce legislation to build and upgrade fire stations in Ohio and across the country. The FIRE STATION Act will create a $750 million grant program within the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to modify, upgrade, and construct fire and EMS department facilities to support first responders and their work to keep our communities safe.

“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line each day, often facing stressful and dangerous situations to protect Ohioans,” said Brown. “This legislation will help to ensure that Ohio first responders have the resources they need to upgrade their facilities and keep our communities safe.”

According to a recent national report on local fire departments across the U.S., 44 percent of fire stations are more than 40 years old and in need of significant repairs. Additionally, 56 percent of stations lack exhaust emission control and are not properly equipped with cancer-preventing systems. The survey also finds that many fire and EMS stations across the country have no backup power, outdated ventilation systems and mold, or even lack crew quarters for female personnel.

Under the FIRE STATION Act, funding can be used for:

    Building, rebuilding, or renovating fire and EMS department facilities;
    Upgrading existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems;
    Installing backup power systems;
    Upgrading or replacing environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems;
    Removing or remediating mold;
    Constructing or modifying living quarters for use by personnel; and
    Upgrading fire and EMS stations or building new stations to meet modern building codes and standards as set by the National Fire Protection Association and International Code Council.

The FIRE STATION Act has been endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).