McHenry Times

State Representative Steve Reick has announced the availability of grants for local fire departments aimed at rehabilitation or construction projects. This information was shared by Reick in a Facebook post dated December 10.

"Local Fire Departments looking to rehabilitate or build a fire station may be interested in $5 million in grant funding available to fire departments across the state," said Reick, according to Facebook. "Applications are due by February 28, 2025."

According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s website, the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant is now open for applications. Eligible grantees could receive up to $350,000. To qualify, applicants must have participated in the National Fire Reporting System (NFIRS) for at least two years prior to applying. Additionally, they must be registered under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act and possess their own Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Applicants are required to demonstrate that the fire station applying for the grant will continue operations as a fire station for at least ten years.

Screenshot of State Rep. Steve Reick's Dec. 10 Facebook post | State Representative Steve Reick Facebook page

Applications will be assessed based on space need and financial need criteria. In terms of space need, considerations include whether an applicant does not own a fire station and seeks to build one, requires funds for rehabilitation, or cannot construct or rehabilitate without a grant due to various constraints such as geographical distance or availability. Financial need considerations involve evaluating the total budget of the applicant as an available resource, population served, square miles covered, and whether rehabilitation and construction costs are prohibitively expensive given these factors.

Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025. Further details can be found on the State Fire Marshal's website.

Reick is a longtime resident of Illinois with educational credentials from Herscher High School and the University of Illinois where he earned a bachelor's degree in accountancy. He also holds a Juris Doctor and master's degree in accountancy and taxation from the University of Georgia. Elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2016, he currently represents the 63rd House District.