The conference committee for the budget of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs approved $9.2 million for fire protection grants, the same amount that was appropriated last year.

Fire protection grants are awarded to communities who have state buildings that are not on the tax rolls to include state office buildings, universities and prisons.

The conference report is expected to be approved by the legislature in the coming week.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy and technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected]