East Central Reporter

Representative Adam Niemerg announced the availability of grant funding for fire departments in a December 10 Facebook post. He said, "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."

"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 Adam M Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R), 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. Grantees could receive up to $350,000. To qualify, applicants must have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for at least two years before applying for this grant. 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 must also demonstrate that the fire station applying for the grant will operate as a fire station for at least ten years.

Applications will be reviewed based on space need and financial need. In terms of space need, considerations include whether an applicant does not own a fire station and wants to build one, needs funds for rehabilitation, or cannot construct or rehabilitate without a grant due to geographical distance or availability issues. Financial need considerations include the total budget of the applicant as an available resource, population served, square miles covered, or if the cost of rehabilitation and construction is prohibitively expensive given these factors.

Applications are due by February 28, 2025. More information can be found on the State Fire Marshal's website.

Niemerg was first elected in 2020. According to his official biography, he describes himself as a "fiscal conservative focused on reducing taxes and fighting for limited government and pension reform." He works as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University.