Eight fire departments and ambulance associations in the 176th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $97,000 in state funding, Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) announced Friday.

“We are grateful for the life-saving services our dedicated first responders provide for communities in Monroe County,” said Rader. “I am pleased we are able to assist these hard-working groups with additional funding support from the state.”

The funding is part of an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training or reduction of existing debt. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not General Fund tax revenue.

The following Monroe County fire and EMS companies in the 176th District received grants.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company — $13,016.

Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company — $11,509.

Pocono Mountain Regional EMS — $9,179.

Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company — $11,783.

Pocono Township Fire Company — $11,509.

Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company — $12,742.

Tunkhannock Volunteer Fire Company — $12,057.

West End Fire Company of Brodheadsville — $15,000.

Fire and ambulance companies are reminded that in order to receive grants and retain their eligibility for the program, paperwork must be submitted back to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by Feb. 28.