PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 483

of the financial statements, may advise the Department of Budget and Management if the
request for financial assistance appears justified.

(6) The Department of Budget and Management, with the approval of the
Board of Public Works, shall adopt regulations in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of
the State Government Article necessary to administer the Emergency Assistance Trust
Fund program.

(7) Upon warrant of the Comptroller, the State Treasurer shall disburse
trust funds to a volunteer fire company or rescue squad for the purposes of this section as
authorized by the Board of Public Works.

(b) The Board of Public Works may award either a grant or a loan or a
combination of both from the Emergency Assistance Trust Fund after a favorable
recommendation from the Department of Budget and Management if:

(1) An act of God or other unforeseen event has substantially impaired the
ability of a volunteer fire company or rescue squad to provide adequate and safe service;
or

(2) The volunteer fire company or rescue squad is unable to maintain the
minimum level of performance for adequate and safe service established by standards of
the Maryland State Firemen's Association because of a demonstrated lack of financial
resources; and

(3) The Department of Budget and Management and the volunteer fire
company or rescue squad receiving assistance have executed an agreement which provides
that trust funds will be used as represented in the request for approval to the Board of
Public Works and which grants to the State such security in the equipment or facilities
acquired with trust funds and in the proceeds of that equipment or those facilities as is
determined by the Board to be appropriate and adequate.

(c) A grant or loan awarded under this section shall be used only for:

(1) Apparatus equipment, including elevated equipment, pumpers, tankers,
ladder trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, or other large equipment used for fire fighting
and emergency services;

(2) Communications equipment;

(3) Protective equipment, including helmets, turnout coats and pants, boots,
eyeshields, gloves, and self-contained respiratory protection units;

(4) Any other equipment necessary to carry out the ordinary functions of
supporting fire fighting and rescue activities; or

(5) Facilities used to house fire fighting equipment, ambulances, and rescue

vehicles.

(d) (1) A grant or loan awarded under this section may not:

(i) Be used to refinance any debt or other obligation of a volunteer
fire company or rescue squad incurred before July 1, 1982; or

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