Notwithstanding section 4(a)(2) of the act of July 15, 1976 (P.L. 1036, No. 208),¹ known as the Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service and Rescue Squad Assistance Act, PEMA may make loans for the purchase of heavy-duty rescue equipment to any one volunteer fire, ambulance or rescue company in the maximum amount of $150,000 for any such rescue vehicle or 50% of the total cost of the vehicle, whichever is less. PEMA may also make such loans for the purchase of a single heavy-duty rescue vehicle by two or more volunteer fire, ambulance or rescue companies, provided that such companies have formed a regional or countywide farm rescue response team.