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September 27, 2004 |
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BONILLA ANNOUNCES GRANTS |
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| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Henry Bonilla today announced the Dimmit and Val Verde County Rural Volunteer Fire Departments are scheduled to receive grants for their individual fire departments. The grants, which was secured through the Department of Homeland Security, will go a long way in keeping the fire and rescue teams at the top of their game. The Dimmit County Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive$42,000 and the Val Verde County Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive $60,000. “I applaud these firefighters for their hard work in securing this federal grant. I strongly support the critical mission of our nation’s firefighters. This funding will ensure our nation’s first responders have the tools necessary to respond to hazards," said Bonilla The Rural Volunteer Fire Departments will receive funding for the purchase of firefighting equipment, health and safety programs, enhanced emergency medical services and to conduct fire education and prevention programs. The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness. More than 285 fire departments throughout the United States received funding during this round of grant announcements. The Department provided more than $24 million to help local fire departments. “These much needed funds will help our Rural Volunteer Fire Department keep their commitment to protecting the safety and security of all the residents when disaster strikes,” said Bonilla. “I am proud to support the Department of Homeland Security and their efforts to provide for our safety – both nationally and locally.” Bonilla is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which funds all grants for the Department of Homeland Security. He has represented Val Verde and Dimmit Counties for more than a decade and is a long-time advocate of our nation’s first responders. |
