More Trucks for Illinois Fire Departments

Illinois fire departments are getting more help to buy new trucks.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Saturday raising the cap on how much money municipalities can borrow from the state at no or low interest for truck purchases.

Republican state Rep. Donald Moffitt of Gilson was one of the sponsors.

He says it’s especially important for downstate rural fire departments with more limited resources.

The law takes effect immediately. It raises the 11-year-old loan program’s borrowing cap from $250,000 to $350,000.

The change reflects the increased cost of fire equipment since the law was last updated.

Departments can use the loans for fire trucks, engines and brush trucks, which are all-terrain vehicles often used to fight wildfires.

The program has loaned out $25 million since it began.