Federal cash pays for Sno-Cone makers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Homeland Security grants paid for Sno-Cone machines throughout West Michigan, 24 Hour News 8 has learned.

But the justification for the purchase is medical, not recreational.

The machines that went to 13 counties -- including Kent, Ionia, Muskegon, Ottawa and Newaygo -- are Arctic Blast Sno-Cone makers that can, according to one sales list, shave 500 pounds of ice per hour.

The 13 ice machines cost a total $6,200, according to the West Shore Regional Planning Commission, which administers the grant money.

The written justification of the funding insists that the "machines will assist with treating the onset of heat exhaustion and stroke during large scale events or activities including possible terrorist incidents or similar emergencies."

The narrative also says local emergency managers believe they can use the Sno-Cone machines to produce ice quickly to help cool down suffering patients.

Grand Rapids Deputy Fire Chief Gary Szotko chairs the Regional Homeland Security Planning Board that made the grant request. He told 24 Hour News 8 on Tuesday that the machines do have a useful purpose.

"In the event of an emergency where there is great heat for extended period of time, it does provide a means for ice packs for responders, for volunteers to stay hydrated in a different way than bottled water, and it is portable," said Szotko.

Szotko also said local emergency management agencies can use the Sno-Cone machines as an attraction at public functions where they are trying to recruit volunteers.