More than a dozen local fire and ambulance organizations in the 131st legislative district were awarded more than $160,000 in funding through the 2014-2015 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program, Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced recently.

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Pennsylvania legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not general fund tax revenue.

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. A total of $30 million in funding was awarded to 2,475 fire and ambulance organizations statewide.

Fire and ambulance companies in the East Penn and Salisbury districts and the amount of their grant awards include:

Lehigh County Citizens Fire Company of Upper Milford Township – $12,345.61.

Eastern Salisbury Fire Ambulance and Rescue Company – $14,007.69.

Emmaus Borough Ambulance Corps. – $7,444.80.

Emmaus Fire Department – $14,284.70.

Lower Milford Township Fire Company 1 – $14,007.69.

Upper Milford Western District Fire Company – $12,068.60.