AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a meeting Tuesday, Texas A&M Forest Service awarded 74 grants, totaling approximately $13 million to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“Grant funding from the program will help Texas rural volunteer fire department recipients from this allocation purchase equipment such as dry hydrants, fire and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment and training aids,” the forest service said.
According to a release, the final funding meeting for fiscal year 2024 is expected to occur Aug. 14.
The service said the assistance program, which launched in 2001, provided funds to rural VFDs for:
- firefighting vehicles
- fire/rescue equipment
- protective clothing
- dry hydrants
- firefighter training
“Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $350 million to volunteer fire departments in Texas, including its award of more than $15 million to rural VFDs in October 2023. The Texas Legislature has allocated approximately $22 million to Texas A&M Forest Service for the fiscal year 2024 to award rural VFDs,” the forest service said.