Illinois fire departments that need assistance purchasing emergency vehicles can apply for a loan through the Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan Programs.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Finance Authority announced that the application process is now open.
The programs are designed to assist emergency personnel purchase vehicles they otherwise couldn’t afford. Under the programs, zero interest and low-interest loans are provided to fire departments, fire protection districts or nonprofit ambulance services for the purchase of ambulances and fire trucks.
The ambulance loans are available for amounts up to $200,000 and can be repaid over a 10-year period. Fire truck loans are available for amounts up to $350,000 and can be repaid over a 20-year period.
Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, nonprofit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply.
Since the inception of these programs, more than $33 million in loans for fire trucks and $2.5 million in loans for ambulances have been given out to more than 200 fire departments and nonprofit ambulance services across the state.
Additional information including the application can be found online.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Revolving Loan Programs
1035 Stevenson Drive
Springfield, IL 62703